IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, said it has signed an agreement with Kuwait-based Al Arabiya Real Estate Company for launching the Staybridge Suites brand in Kuwait with its new venture in the Salmiya area of the country.

Al Arabiya Real Estate Company is owned by Kuwaiti conglomerate Bukhamseen Group, a partner of IHG.

Last year, IHG and Bukhamseem Group had signed an agreement that granted the Kuwaiti group a countrywide exclusivity for a 10-year term and covered six IHG brands, including InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites, said the top hospitality group.

There are currently four Staybridge Suites hotels open across the Middle East, with a further six due to open in in the next three to five years, it stated.

Located in Salmiya, close to the commercial and upscale residential blocks beside the Gulf coastline, the 120-key Staybridge Suites Kuwait Salmiya will offer long-stay guests a choice of one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, said the statement.

The modern serviced apartments will be stylishly designed and furnished, featuring separate living and working areas, fully equipped kitchens, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and free WiFi, it added.

Pascal Gauvin, the managing director (India, Middle East and Africa), said: "IHG is delighted to partner with Al Arabiya Real Estate Company for the debut Staybridge Suites in Kuwait. The Bukhamseen Group has been one of our most valued partners in the Middle East since we signed one of our first Holiday Inn hotels in the region with them more than 40 years ago."

"We are excited to be working even more closely together to expand our footprint in Kuwait and introduce Staybridge Suites, to cater to the demands of extended stay travellers. The brand is known to offer comfort, convenience, and a sense of community so guests can feel at home while they are on the road," observed Gauvin.

"We look forward to opening the doors of Staybridge Suites Kuwait Salmiya and welcoming our guests in 2022," he added.

Guests staying at the hotel will have easy access to business areas such as downtown where major banks and financial institutions are located, as well as tourist attractions such as the Marine Museum, Shaab Leisure Centre Park and a variety of shopping malls and restaurants.

Dr Emad Jawad Bukhamseen, the chairman of Al Arabiya Real Estate Company, said: "Travel and tourism is a fast-emerging industry in Kuwait, and the sector is experiencing a consistent flow of business and leisure travellers, from across the globe."

"With its excellent location and unique offering, we are confident that Staybridge Suites Kuwait Salmiya will be the natural choice for visitors looking for home away from home experience. We are proud to build our alliance with IHG to further hotel development in Kuwait and we are confident that our venture together will be a success," he added.-TradeArabia News Service