Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Hyatt to launch Hyatt Place hotel in AlUla

Hyatt has signed a management agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in AlUla, Hyatt Place AlUla.
 
The hotel, set to open by the end of 2025, will add 215 keys to the Hyatt room portfolio in Saudi Arabia and offer a new destination for World of Hyatt members and guests visiting the region.
 
The hotel will feature 215 modern guestrooms, two food and beverage outlets, meeting space, a pool, and a fitness center, providing comfortable stays for both work and leisure travellers.
 
“We look forward to adding Hyatt Place AlUla to our growing portfolio of properties in the region,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “This significant project underscores our commitment to expanding our brand presence in key leisure and business markets. We are thrilled that this upcoming hotel will provide more choice to our World of Hyatt members looking to explore the culture and beauty of AlUla.”
 
Hyatt Place AlUla will participate in World of Hyatt, the industry's fastest-growing loyalty program, offering member-only offers, room upgrades, free nights, and late checkout.
 
AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, and other heritage sites, is known for its green oasis of verdant palm trees, citrus, and other native flora.
 
Located 25 kilometers northwest of AlUla International Airport, Hyatt Place AlUla offers seamless connectivity for international and domestic travellers.
 
Abeer AlAkel, CEO of Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), said, “The agreement with Hyatt advances RCU’s regeneration of AlUla as a great place to live, work and visit. Hyatt Place AlUla will create jobs for the community and add to the range of accommodation options for tourists and business people. Collaborations with established and knowledgeable operators such as Hyatt support the regeneration of AlUla County and honor its legacy as a hospitable meeting place for people from diverse cultures.”
 
The hotel's prime central location is in proximity to key tourist attractions, including AlUla Old Town, Jabal Ikmah mountain, and the cultural oasis. These treasures are central to RCU's vision to establish AlUla as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage. -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

AquaChemie opens advanced chemical facility in Kezad

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today (February 12) announced the opening of AquaChemie Global Chemicals' new facility within its integrated economic ecosystem. 
 
A UAE-based chemical manufacturing group, AquaChemie said its 25,800-sqm facility in Kezad Area A (Kezad Al Ma’mourah) is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to adhere to global safety and environmental standards.  
 
This milestone development strengthens the UAE’s local manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the nation’s “Make it in the Emirates” programme, said Kezad in a statement.
 
AquaChemie, which has invested AED90 million ($24 million) in the facility, will utilise the site to manufacture, store, and blend, drumming  a diverse range of industrial chemicals in liquid and solids shape, primarily serving Adnoc and other major clients. 
 
This development enhances supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and supports sustainable industrial practices in the region, it stated.
 
Mansoor Al Marar, VP - Industrial Business Development, Kezad Group, said: "The opening of AquaChemie’s facility highlights Kezad Group’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth."
 
"By supporting projects like AquaChemie, KEZAD continues to play a critical role in advancing the UAE’s industrial diversification goals and driving regional economic competitiveness," he noted.
 
Anand Kumar, the Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: "Our facility at Kezad represents a significant milestone in AquaChemie’s strategic growth. Kezad’s robust infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and business-friendly environment provide us with the tools to deliver high-quality chemical solutions, meet the needs of our clients, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s industrial ambitions."
 
Through its strategic location, Kezad provides AquaChemie with direct access to its multimodal logistics network, including proximity to Khalifa Port, ensuring seamless regional and global connectivity, stated Kumar. 
 
"Kezad continues to attract leading industrial players with its competitive ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and tailored solutions, positioning it as a preferred destination for global investors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

PIF named title sponsor for Saudi ladies golf tournament

Golf Saudi has announced that PIF is the new title partner of the renamed PIF Saudi Ladies International, a partnership which also sees the prize money for the tournament equaling with the men’s contest, underlining PIF’s commitment to inclusion in sport.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International returns from February 13 to 15 at Riyadh Golf Club and will also see a new format with tour professionals taking part in both an individual and team competition.
 
The partnership between PIF and Golf Saudi is designed to have a transformative impact on the sport, promote inclusivity and equality within golf, and foster greater engagement among Saudi Arabia’s people and visitors alike. This includes providing opportunities for all Saudi nationals to participate in the game of golf, creating gateways for aspiring professionals in the Middle East to enter the professional game, and launching golf tourism initiatives such as the development of quality golf facilities at scale across the country.
 
The PIF Saudi Ladies International will feature a field of 112 elite competitors, including world number three ranked Ruoning Yin, nine ranked Charley Hull and defending tournament champion Patty Tavatanakit, with the prize purse at $5 million – the largest purse for any women’s professional golf tournament outside majors and a few select LGPA events.
 
Driven by PIF’s partnership, the tournament’s purse intentionally matches that of Golf Saudi’s equivalent men’s tournament, the PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank, which is played on the Asian Tour. This investment reflects PIF and Golf Saudi’s commitment to driving inclusivity and opportunity within golf for all ages, genders, and demographics. - TradeArabia News Service