Marking the debut of The Ritz-Carlton brand in Jordan, Marriot International and Al Eqbal Real Estate Development have announced the signing of an agreement to establish The Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences in Amman, which is scheduled to be complete in 2020.

The agreement was inked by Tawfiq Fakhouri, founder and chairman of Al Eqbal Real Estate Development, and Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, during a private ceremony attended by executive team members from both companies.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences are strategically located in the heart of the capital Amman, within proximity to a high-end residential neighborhood. The Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences are situated next to high-end five-star hotels, which sit on the other three corner plots of the Circle, perfecting the picture as the final piece of the puzzle.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman comprises 233 guest rooms, of which 33 are suites, and two specialty restaurants one of which is on the rooftop, and an elegantly-designed 1000-sq-m grand ballroom. As for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, it consists of 20 stories and 90 private residences for purchase from the developing company, overlooking the incomparable and magnificent views of Amman. The residences come in a variety of spaces, ranging from 100 to 1,000-sq-m, as well as two sky villas.

On this occasion, Fakhouri said: “We are proud to introduce The Ritz-Carlton international brand to Jordan. Through The Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences in Amman, we aim to enhance the hospitality sector with luxury offerings in line with the highest international standards. At Al Eqbal Real Estate Development, we started by hiring the most experienced and talented team of architects and designers from around the world while fostering partnerships with some of the biggest international companies to ensure the implementation of attractive designs and dazzling interior decorations, which reflect the authenticity of the Jordanian culture with a modern twist. The most notable were Dar Al-Handasah for architectural design, engineering and supervision, WATG for the concept design, Wimberley for interior design and DG Jones & Partners for project management. We will also offer the highest levels of service that embody the spirit of The Ritz-Carlton, surpassing the expectations of the city’s visitors, whether they are tourists or businesspeople looking for an exceptional stay, or owners of the luxurious residential apartments who seek a life of luxury.”

“We are delighted to be working with Al Eqbal Real Estate to introduce The Ritz-Carlton in Jordan.  This property will play a significant role in catering to the desires of leisure and business tourists alike,” said Kyriakidis,

“Jordan is an integral part of Marriott International’s growth strategy in the Middle East.  We have a strong presence in the country with five hotels in operation and now, with the signing of The Ritz-Carlton, we are on track to double our portfolio in the market in the next four years.”

Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, the brand will open properties in Tunis, Tunisia; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; Sharm El Sheikh,  Egypt; and in the Moroccan cities of Tamuda Bay, Marrakech and Rabat. - TradeArabia News Service