Shangri-La Signs Hotel and Residences in Saudi Arabia

Shangri-La has signed a contract with Assila Investments for the management and operation of a 236-room hotel and serviced residences development in Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and the principle gateway to Mecca.

Slated to open in early 2018 Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah will be the first Shangri-La in Saudi Arabia.

Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah will be housed in a 65-storey development located on Jeddah Corniche Road facing the Red Sea.

The group will also manage and provide services to the 122 apartments that range from two-bedroom apartments to the top floor penthouse.

Offering views over the water, the hotel will feature four restaurants, function areas totalling 2,118 square metres, a luxury spa and fitness areas, a swimming pool, children’s club and several lounges.

The building’s dramatic design, by global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will, was the recipient of the 2009 MIPIM Architectural Review ‘Future Project Award’ for ‘Best Tall Building’.

The tower is situated perpendicular to the shoreline to maximise water views and optimise solar exposure, and its exterior ‘skin’ features synthetic fabric architectural sails that shade the interior spaces, protect balconies from wind, maintain privacy and house LED lights that create a distinctive pattern over the surface of the building.

“By partnering with such a respected investor as Assila, who clearly supports our growth strategy, we are taking a significant step in strengthening our brand in the Middle East region,” said Shangri-La President and CEO, Greg Dogan. “Jeddah is an important commercial hub being both a Saudi Arabian port city and the country’s second largest city.”