Source: Swiss International
Source: Swiss International

Baar (CH)/ Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)/ Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) -- Gearing up to boost its presence in Saudi Arabia, Swiss International proudly announces the arrival of its first 2 hotels in Riyadh. The chain will be entering the capital city with Swiss International Royal Hotel and Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Metropolitan contributing to 4 hotels of the brand in Saudi Arabia.

The 60 room upscale hotel Swiss International Royal Hotel is strategically located on the King Fahed Road along Al Sahafa district which is home to several major commercial centers and consulates along with a number of local traditional markets. The proximity of the hotel to these business drivers makes it an ideal venue for the high-end domestic and business travelers, government officials and diplomats. Besides, the hotel is just 10 minutes' drive away from the Saudi German Hospital, also catering to the medical tourists. The hotel is expected to open in December this year.

Visitors to the hotel will enjoy a full range of facilities including:

  • Swiss Café Restaurant & Lounge
  • Grill Room - International cuisine and open buffet with daily theme nights
  • Eventives (4 meeting spaces with seating capacity from 25 – 100 person)
  • Inspirations Pool & Gym
  • Swiss-Select Lounge

Besides Swiss International Royal Hotel, the chain will also be represented by its midscale brand Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Metropolitan in the same street at Al Sahafa district allowing the brand to deliver to a wider set of guests. Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Metropolitan is an 80 room hotel which is expected to start operations as of January 2017.

Swiss International's partner in the Middle-East, Hospitality Development Group (also known as Swiss International Middle-East) from Dammam will operate both the hotels.

Mr. Naji Al Shiha, the CEO of Swiss International Middle East said: "We were eyeing on Riyadh for quite some time as it is one of the busiest cities in the Middle East. This project was a key step for the chain's expansion in the region and we are glad to have achieved it."

"There are growing opportunities for hoteliers in Saudi Arabia as it is now the second largest hub for hotels in Middle East after UAE. With our close association with Swiss International we are confident to establish a strong presence in this exciting market" added Mr. Naji Al Shiha.

"We are extremely enthusiastic about extending our presence in the capital city. Both the hotels are contemporary in style and provide a seamless link between business, entertainment and recreation. The two new properties under the brand is a step forward to a brighter future for Swiss International" said Mr. Ghazi Gorayeb, (COO of Swiss International Middle East).

Mr. Henri W.R Kennedie, the chairman and CEO of the Swiss International Group said: "We believe there is great potential for Swiss International in the Middle East and we are delighted to collaborate with the Hospitality Development Group, based in Dammam for our operations in the Gulf regions. This project is part of our strategic aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely actions"

Not long ago, Swiss International marked its entry in Saudi Arabia with two hotels: Swiss International Park Hotel Baljurashi and Swiss Spirit Hotel & Suites Turaif which represented the brand in the nation. The launch of the two properties makes it strategically important for the group's development in the Middle-East as it looks into further expanding the brand in the region. It aims to grow 30 hotels in the Middle East region by the year 2020.

Swiss International Middle East (HDG, the Hospitality Division of Al Shiha)

Hospitality Development Group, the hospitality division of Al Shiha Holdings began as a hotel property management company in 1979 amid growing real estate investment and hotel restructuring projects in the Middle East region. Today the company has turned into a one stop provider of services covering from asset management to operational support. Today the company is operating 4 hotels and 4 restaurants in Saudi Arabia. The strategy for growth emphasizes becoming a bridge between investors and Swiss International providing comprehensive and versatile support.

Swiss International Hotels

Founded in 1982, Swiss International Hotels is established in Switzerland. Swiss International Hotels & Resorts is currently associated with hotels in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Greater China, the Middle East and Africa. The company is registered in Baar, Switzerland and is operating from the UAE (Ras Al Khaimah). Swiss International is operating and licensing its hotels under the following brands: Royal Swiss (Luxury), Swiss International Hotels & Resorts (Upscale), Swiss Spirit Hotels & Suites (Mid-market) and Yes Inn (Economy).