Global developer Emaar Properties said its hospitality and leisure subsidiary has marked its ambitious expansion into Saudi Arabia with the unveiling of its first hotel and serviced residence property in Jeddah Gate.

Emaar Hospitality Group said the 14-storey Vida Jeddah Gate hotel tower and the 25-storey Vida Residences Jeddah Gate tower are centrally located in Jeddah Gate, a master-planned community by Emaar Middle East.

The hotel and serviced residences offer sweeping views of Jeddah Gate and beyond, and are effortlessly accessible from the city centre, said the developer in its statement.

Family-friendly, Shari’ah-compliant and environmentally responsible, Vida Jeddah Gate and Vida Residences Jeddah Gate are refreshingly-unique hotel and serviced residences concept for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers, said the statement from Emaar.

There are 202 thoughtfully designed hotel rooms and suites in addition to the 162 serviced residences, which will be for sale, available in one-, two-, three- and four-bedrooms. The residences are ideal for families and professionals and will benefit from being served by dedicated Vida Hotels and Resorts staff members, it stated.

The development takes design cues from Islamic heritage and the façade and textures will be reminiscent of Saudi architectural styles. It is envisaged as an exceptional hospitality offering that stands for upscale boutique style ambience, sophisticated energy and cultural inspiration.

Only five minutes away from the Al Haramain Express Train Station, Vida Jeddah Gate Hotel and Vida Residences Jeddah Gate are located near the headquarters of major banking institutions and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The development is also in close proximity to the main railroad linking the city of Makkah, only 30 minutes away, and Madinah, only three hours away.

Chris Newman, the corporate director of Operations at Emaar Hospitality Group, said the first expansion of the company’s operations into Saudi Arabia is underpinned by the renewed focus of the kingdom to strengthen its tourism sector and the reputation of Jeddah as a hub for business and commerce.

"The new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals will find that the design, service, quality and facilities we offer will more than meet their expectations. Guests will enjoy the fact we have integrated technology into everything we do and offer fast connectivity," remarked Newman.

"As a young brand for Emaar Hospitality Group, Vida Hotels and Resorts offers something new and different in terms of hotel experiences and Vida Jeddah Gate and Vida Residences Jeddah Gate will deliver exceptional experiences and value to our guests and residents for the first time in the Kingdom," he added.

Vida Jeddah Gate will offer guests a wide breadth of amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge for quick bites, a signature restaurant and a bistro. It will have a dedicated events space that can host up to 120 people, ideal for corporate and social events.

A fully-fledged spa and fitness centre, podium level pool, kids club and pool lounge will further celebrate a relaxed lifestyle. All these facilities are also accessible for Vida Residences Jeddah Gate residents.

With a total gross floor area of 519,204 sq ft, nearly equally split between the hotel and serviced residences, the new hospitality project is deploying the latest advances in green building design and construction to reduce the project’s energy footprint.

Vida Jeddah Gate and Vida Residences Jeddah Gate will contribute to the focus of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage to strengthen the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Saudi Arabia recorded a 25 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2015.-TradeArabia News Service