Time Hotels unveiled its first resort at WTM London with the launch of TIME Beach Villas Resort in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The new property is a midmarket contemporary development on the upper west side of the city. TIME Beach Villas Resort will comprise 61 units with detailed Arabic architecture encompassing a full reflection of authentic designs from the region.
Located close to the beach, and 20 minutes’ drive from Jeddah International Airport and city centre, the midrange resort will offer fitness and leisure facilities, high-speed wi-fi, LED televisions in all rooms and concierge and business services.
TIME Hotels CEO, Mohamed Awadalla, said, “This resort has been built with both corporate and leisure visitors in mind. It is perfect for long staying corporate guests as well as short stay family getaways. TIME Hotels has a great deal of experience throughout the GCC, not only managing these types of properties, but more importantly we have an in-depth understanding of these market segments, how to add value and drive in business.”
The villas will have their own private swimming pool and garden, with separate kitchen and living/dining areas. While the resort itself includes a fully equipped gymnasium, a large public swimming pool and a children’s playground.
TIME Hotels set to expand its footprint into UAE, followed by further openings in Saudi Arabia, before the end of 2018.
Awadalla added, “Saudi is the United Kingdom's primary trading partner in the Middle East. There are more than 200 joint ventures between British and Saudi companies, worth $17.5 billion, with some 30,000 British nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia unveiled an ambitious new tourism project spanning more than 160 km of its Red Sea coastline as part of its ongoing efforts to focus on sustainable economic growth.
As part of the project, 50 untouched islands will be transformed into attractive tourism destinations, governed by laws reflecting international standards. The size of the development exceeds the size of Belgium and is being backed by the country's sovereign wealth fund. Early estimates indicate that the Rea Sea tourism project will create up to 35,000 jobs and add up to $4 billion to the economy annually.
According to the official statement, the initial ground-breaking is expected in the third quarter of 2019. By fourth quarter of 2022 the first phase of the project is expected to be complete, this includes development of hotels and luxury residential units, as well as all logistical infrastructure – including air, land, and sea transport hubs. The launch comes as part of Saudi Arabia's wider 'Vision 2030' plans, which aim to reduce the Kingdom's dependency on its natural oil reserves.