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SAUDI 2017

Your essential destination and meeting guide

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MEETING PLANNER So many reasons TO JOIN Each event you organise with us makes you eligible for earning points. And with 2000 venues in 90 countries, you can gain and use them the way you want. Airline miles, free stays, partner›s vouchers… Your loyalty will always be rewarded.

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Your Direct Gateway to the Largest GCC Market

, We re open for business

Trade Fairs

Conferences

For the thousands of companies and organizations that travel from around the world to our trade fairs each year, the show always opens to the spectacle of world trade in motion in many sectors like Agriculture, Air-Conditioning, Automotive, Construction, Education, Transportations, Packaging, Petrochemicals, Plastics, Printing and more

For more than 34 years, Riyadh Exhibitions Company Ltd. has been the leading organizer of international conferences in the Kingdom

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Welcome

Welcome to Meet Saudi 2017 your essential destination and meeting guide SAUDI 2017 Your essential destination and meeting guide Licensed by International Media Production Zone

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As the heart of the Arab and Islamic world, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a regional powerhouse but now, thanks to the landmark Vision 2030, the country is cementing its place on the international map. Rich in natural resources, excellent infrastructure and a burgeoning population of talented youth, the influence of the kingdom is poised to grow exponentially. Leveraging all these factors, as well as its strategic location between the east and west, it is an exciting time for the industry and stakeholders to welcome more outstanding business events to the kingdom. Ripples from business and economic changes are fuelling longterm prosperity and tourism has now become one of the focal points of national reforms, with business, leisure and religious tourism all identified as means to generate both revenue and employment in the country. With so much development underway and a host of new openings over the past 12 months alone, Meet Saudi 2017 is pleased to offer a comprehensive update on the convention and exhibition sector. Our curated guide to the best hotels, venues and activities, coupled with exclusive industry insights, gives planners all they need to evaluate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as their next great host destination for annual conventions, insightful forums, worldclass exhibitions and other business events. Rob Nicholas Publisher

Visit us online at meetmiddleeast.com

EDITORIAL Group Editor Jacqueline Castelluccia Senior Editor Vineetha Menon Contributing Editor Tracey Scott Production Coordinator Sohail Khan STUDIO Designers Tony Santiago, Maria Al Daoudi, Ritz Gutierrez Photographer Adham Sneeh

ADVERTISING Relationship Manager Rose Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Souza Senior Relationship Manager Darryl Willey Sales Coordinator Carol Milan, Mary Grace PUBLISHING Publisher Rob Nicholas COVER IMAGE Alamy/Phocal Media

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Contents

p37

p21

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Insight

Meet

06 .... Introduction – Saudi Arabia’s 21st century infrastructure, combined with its historic sites, continue to lure business travellers

36..... Spaces for all seasons – New and existing hotels are offering planners a multitude of spaces to host events with a difference

08 .... Saudi Arabia at a glance – A snapshot of why the kingdom is one of the leading nations in the Gulf

42..... Change of scene – The country boasts a number of unique venues that can add to the buzz of any event

10...... Fact file – Useful information and practical advice to help your business trip or event run smoothly

Stay

12 ...... Flying high – Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is soaring, as you’re about to discover

45..... Hotel factsheets – The ultimate resource for top hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

14 ...... Prepared for take-off – With unprecedented levels of investment and ongoing privatisation, the country’s airports are poised to welcome more than 100 million passengers by 2020

66..... Hotel listings – An at-a-glance guide to accommodation options in major cities and all the leading hotels and resorts have to offer from group check-in facilities to conference equipment availability

16 ...... The great transformation – From new hotels to pioneering projects, Saudi Arabia’s path of progression is revealed 18 ...... City view – Riyadh continues to wow business and leisure visitors 20..... Insider guide to Riyadh – The capital combines tradition with modernity to make meetings in the capital memorable 22 ..... Insider guide to Jeddah – The celebrated port city is emerging as a leading meetings and events destination 24 ..... Insider guide to Eastern Province – The country’s largest province is working hard to attract domestic and regional events 26 ..... Insider guide to the Red Sea Coast – From the Holy City of Makkah to the highlands of Taif, it’s time to explore 28 ..... Navigating the kingdom – Travelling around Saudi Arabia is simple thanks to reliable public transport, plus other options for groups 30 .... Meeting the future – Since its launch in 2013 the Saudi Exhibitions & Conventions Bureau (SECB) has been busy developing the meetings sector in Saudi Arabia 35 ..... Model venue – The Riyadh International Exhibition & Convention Centre is playing a vital role in driving the capital’s MICE sector

Play 72 ..... Food for thought – Nothing stimulates conversation at an event quite like good food. Through the universal language of great cuisine, the country’s young but flourishing culinary scene will add flavour to your next event 78 ..... A kingdom of culture – While holy sites attract a perennial flow of religious tourists, meeting and events planners will soon discover there is plenty to tempt business travellers too 82 ..... Just the ticket – Discover how traditional and international sporting events can provide a unique setting for corporate visitors 84..... Beyond the agenda – With endless deserts, pristine beaches and modern world-class attractions, Saudi Arabia offers plenty of interesting options when it comes to organising incentives and team-building activities. We present a selection of engaging activities that will take you beyond the boardroom

Directory 88..... Key contacts – An essential go-to-guide of service providers and suppliers in Saudi Arabia

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Image: Alamy/Phocal Media

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INSIGHT | INTRODUCTION

Keys to the Kingdom As Saudi Arabia embarks on an era of change, 21st century infrastructure and modern facilities combine with historic sites and awe-inspiring natural wonders to lure business travellers to the country As the cradle of Islam and the Land of the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains one of the leading countries in the world. With a strong sense of culture, heritage and society based on Islamic values and traditional Arabian hospitality, the kingdom is also in the midst of evolutionary change. In April 2016, the country’s Deputy Crow n P r i nce Moh a m med Bi n Salman Al Saud set out Vision 2030, a package of economic and social policies designed to shift the kingdom’s economy away from its dependence on oil. Tourism is one of the focal points of the reforms, with business, leisure and religious tourism all identified as means to generate both revenue and employment. Moreover, by 2020 the kingdom hopes to make it possible for over 15 million Muslims to perform the non-mandatory pilgrimages Dhu’l-Hijjah on the last month of the Hijri year and Umrah, which can be performed at any time. Under the National Transformation Plan, the centrepiece of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing huge amounts in tourist infrastructure and renovating historical sites. Coupled with the 43 percent increase in tourist arrivals forecast by the end

of the decade by Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Research and Information Center (MAS), the kingdom has never been more open for business.

Forward looking The MICE sector is crucial to achieving these growth projections, with the government striving for Saudi Arabia to become the main destination for conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East by 2020. While undoubtedly ambitious, there are a number of factors working in the kingdom’s favour. Strategically located, Saudi Arabia is by far the largest market in the region, with a population of more than 30 million and a gross domestic product (GDP) of close to SAR2.4 trillion (US$650 billion) in 2015. The kingdom’s expanding infrastructure and facilities are also attractive to MICE planners. Alongside investment in airports, roads and railways, consultancy firm Deloitte reports that more than 49,000 new hotel rooms are either under construction or at the final planning stage. Furthermore, state-of-the-art new facilities include the King Salman International Conference Center in Madinah, which opened last year.

Privatisation of the aviation sector is making event logistics easier for planners too. Last year, SaudiGulf became the first privately owned airline to enter the kingdom’s huge domestic market, while foreign airlines set to the enter the market in 2017 include Qatar’s Al Maha Airways and Egypt’s Nesma Airlines.

01: Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions Forum 02: Kingdom Centre 03: Makkah 04: Wadi Rum desert, bordered with Saudi Arabia. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

Historic ties King Abdulaziz Al Saud set Saudi Arabia on the road to modernisation when he took control of the capital Riyadh in 1902. Uniting the Arabian Peninsula into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under the name of Islam, the monarch oversaw the development of the modern state. In 2005, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ascended the throne. The country’s sixth king and a son of King Abdulaziz, he also acted as Prime Minister, overseeing a significant increase in construction thanks to strategic investment. Upon King Abdullah’s death in 2015, his brother, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, succeeded him. Known for his leadership skills and knowledge of Arab, Islamic and international relations, King Salman has entrusted his eldest son, Deputy

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Bedouin life Saudi Arabia’s Bedouin tribes are a fascinating part of its history and culture. A small number of seminomadic Bedouin remain in the country’s northern deserts where they live off the land and trade camels and sheep. They are considered some of the most courageous and generous people in existence and are credited with the culture of hospitality enjoyed in modern hotels across the region today. The kingdom celebrates its Bedouin roots with activities such as camel racing and sword dancing that will delight visitors.

18m

THE NUMBER OF TOURIST ARRIVALS TO THE KINGDOM IN 2015

25.8m TOURIST ARRIVALS EXPECTED TO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA BY 2020

190b

TOTAL CONTRIBUTION (SAR) OF TOURISM IN TO THE GDP IN 2015

306b

FORECAST TOTAL CONTRIBUTION (SAR) OF TOURISM TO GDP BY 2026 03

Source: WTTC

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, with the task of steering the kingdom’s post-oil transformation.

Stirring sites Alongside the two holy mosques, the kingdom’s ancient archaeological sites, modern museums and vast landscapes of deserts, beaches, mountains and valleys are a big draw for the MICE sector. The rock-hewn tombs of Mada’in Saleh – one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the kingdom – are considered second only to Petra in Jordan in both historical significance and majesty. The cosmopolitan city of Jeddah, gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, has a charming old town with many houses built from coral, while the Red Sea coast has world-class diving and snorkelling. Other natural wonders include the hauntingly beautiful Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand area, and the remarkable Al Ahsa Oasis, the largest palm tree oasis on the planet. Combined with luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and the fabled hospitality of the Arabian Peninsula, it’s plain to see why an increasing number of international planners are placing business in Saudi Arabia and allowing delegates from all around the world to experience it first-hand. 7

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IRAQ

ARAR Geographical status

JORDAN

Saudi Arabia is the 13th largest country in the world in terms of land mass, and the biggest in the Arabian Peninsula

Unrivalled connectivity

TABUK

There are four main international airports as well as a number of domestic airports in operation in the kingdom

HAIL

Positive outlook

Easy access Citizens of GCC countries enjoy visa-free entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

EGYPT

MEDINA

The total contribution of KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel and tourism sector to the national GDP is forecast to reach over SAR356 billion (US$94.9 billion) in 2025

RED SEA

MECCA JEDDAH

Visitor appeal The number of visitors to Makkah and Madinah is expected to reach 17 million by 2025

ABHA SUDAN

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Saudi Arabia

Railway ready KUWAIT

As the largest economy in the Middle East, modern-day Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as not only a leading nation in the Gulf but also a global powerhouse

The kingdom is one of the few countries in the region where rail travel is possible – the line connects Riyadh to Dammam via Al Hofuf

HAFR AL BATIN

DAMMAM ARABIAN GULF QATAR

RIYADH

UAE

SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Vision 2030 By 2030, the kingdom plans to: •

Increase foreign direct investment from 3.8 percent to 5.7 percent of GDP

•

Increase the private sector’s contribution from 40 percent to 65 percent of GDP

Economic powerhouse Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East, and a member of the G20

OMAN

•

Increase SME contribution to GDP from 20 percent to 35 percent

•

Increase women’s participation in the workforce from 22 percent to 30 percent

•

Increase non-oil government revenue from SAR163 billion to SAR1 trillion

Source: vision2030.gov.sa

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INSIGHT | FACT FILE

Need to know:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Useful information and practical advice to help your business trip run smoothly, including top tips on cultural sensitivities

Geography

Visas

climate marked by high temperatures

Saudi Arabia occupies 80 percent of the

Citizens of GCC countries enjoy visa-free

during the day, low temperatures at night

Arabian Peninsula, with the Red Sea to the

entry to Saudi Arabia. All other visitors

and very low annual rainfall. The best time

west and the Arabian Gulf to the east. It is

need to obtain a visa in advance from their

to visit is between October to May, while

bordered to the north by Jordan, Iraq and

local Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate.

business travellers are recommended to

Kuwait, and to the south by Yemen and Oman.

Visas can take up to six weeks to process.

avoid visiting during Ramadan and the busy Hajj period.

To the east lie the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

Customs advice Getting there

It is forbidden to take alcohol and pork into

Local time

There are four main international airports:

the kingdom. Any prescription medicines

UTC +3 hours.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh,

must be supported with a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter.

Currency

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport

Climate

The national currency Saudi Riyal (SAR)

in Dammam and Prince Mohammad Bin

With the exception of Asir region in the

is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange

Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

southwest, Saudi Arabia has a desert

rate of US$1 = SAR3.75

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01: The view from Al Faisaliyah Centre, Riyadh. Photo by Husain Al Ahdal 02: Traditional artisan. Photo by Abdullah Al-Eidi 03: Al Bahah. Photo by Ali Al Ghamdi

Communications

expected to begin around May 27 and end

All three of the kingdom’s mobile operators

around June 25, depending on the sight-

– Saudi Telecommunications Company

ing of the moon. Muslims fast throughout

(STC), Mobily and Zain – offer prepaid

the month, abstaining from eating, drink-

SIM cards for visitors.

ing and smoking from sunrise to sunset.

As a sign of respect, non-Muslim visitors

Electricity

are required to refrain from these activi-

There is a mix of UK-style three-pin, two-pin

ties in public.

and US-style plugs. Visitors are advised to bring a universal adaptor.

Hajj and Umrah Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah

Business hours

that every able-bodied Muslim is supposed

The working week is Sunday to Thursday.

to undertake at least once. In 2017, the

Government offices are generally open

Hajj will take place in September. Other

from 7.30am to 2.30pm. Bank opening

Umrah pilgrimages can be performed at

hours vary, with most open between 9am

any time of the year.

and 1pm on Saturdays to Wednesdays (noon on Thursdays) and some reopening

Dress code

from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Saudi Arabia is a conservative country and visitors should be aware of local

Language

sensibilities. Men are required to wear long

Arabic is the official language, although

trousers and a long-sleeved top (shirt or

English is widely used in business and in

suit jacket, for instance) while women must

the hospitality industry. Some basic Arabic

wear an abaya (long black overgarment)

greetings will be greatly appreciated.

when out and about in public.

Religion

Photography

Islam is the official religion.

It is always polite to ask permission before taking pictures of locals. Photographing

Ramadan

Saudi women and children as well as

In 2017, the Holy Month of Ramadan is

government buildings should be avoided.

Phrasebook Marhaba: Hello As-salam alaykum: Peace be upon you (Islamic greeting) Wa alaykum as-salam: And peace be upon you (answer to Islamic greeting) Min fudluk: Please Shukran: Thank you Afwan: You’re welcome Na’am: Yes La’a: No Ma’assalama: Take care Wada-aan: Goodbye

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INSIGHT | AIRLINE

Flying high The kingdom’s aviation sector is entering a new era, with established carriers continuing to expand and new airlines entering the domestic market In the past decade, the aviation market in Saudi Arabia has been one of the region’s most rapidly evolving. Historically, the market has been highly regulated with state-run carrier Saudia enjoying absolute monopoly. However, liberalisation and privatisation are changing the landscape, improving connectivity, capacity and competition – all welcome news for MICE planners. The kingdom’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) began liberalising the skies in 2007 by issuing licences to two new carriers including flynas, the country’s first budget airline. It also commenced an ongoing privatisation programme that has seen two of Saudia’s six divisions – catering and ground services – listed on the kingdom’s stock market in recent years. In 2011, GACA moved to further open up the domestic market of about 27 million people to private and foreign airlines. The authority issued licences to SaudiGulf, owned by the Al Qahtani Group, a consortium of privately owned companies based in Saudi Arabia, and Al Maha Airways, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways. Previously, foreign carriers could fly in and out of Saudi Arabia, but not within the country.

The arrival of these new carriers is expected to facilitate growth in the kingdom’s meetings and events sector, which currently relies heavily on attendance from delegates from domestic and regional markets. Tariq Al Essa, Executive Director of Saudi Exhibitions and Convention Bureau (SCEB), said: “Additional capacity created by Al Maha Airways and SaudiGulf will not only increase availability from the larger Saudi cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, but open up smaller markets such as Madinah, Qassim and Abha.” As the aviation sector becomes more competitive, the kingdom undoubtedly becomes a more attractive proposition for a wider range of event delegates.

State success stories Saudia enjoys the lion’s share of the country’s domestic aviation market and is the only airline that operates at all 27 airports in the kingdom. It continues to expand at a rapid pace, forecasting passenger numbers to reach 45 million by 2020, up from 29.5 million in 2015, and aiming to have 200 aircraft by the end of the decade. Of particular interest to meeting planners is the Saudi Commission

Passenger numbers in 2015 (millions) Emirates

51.9

Saudia Qatar Airways

29.5 22.4 17.6 Source: GACA

Etihad Airways

01: Saudi Arabian Airlines. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 02: Boarding a Saudia flight

for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) signing of an integration memorandum with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) that will see airlines increase local flights between various regions of the Kingdom, especially during peak tourist seasons. Saudia also partnered with SCTNH and Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) in 2014, highlighting the airline’s support through its SkyTeam alliance which provides organisers with a variety of incentives including discounts for delegates and complimentary tickets in conjunction with purchased tickets. Looking ahead, and SECB will continue to collaborate with Saudia to attract exhibitions and conventions to the kingdom. Low-cost airline flynas is celebrating a decade of operations this year. It currently operates in 30 cities across eight countries, with the majority of flights within the kingdom. In 2015, the airline carried 5.5 million passengers and posted a profit for the first time in its history. Its success lies in adopting a regional, shorter-haul approach and strategic codeshares with airlines such as Abu Dhabibased Etihad Airways and Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines. It also benefitted by GACA’s 2014 decision to allow domestic carriers to lift ticket prices within ten days of departure, allowing airlines to charge passengers more for last-minute bookings. Named as the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the prestigious

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Milestones 1945 Year Saudia was launched with a single twin-engine DC-3 plane

100 PERCENT OF SAUDI PILOTS FOR SAUDIA BY 2020

SAUDIA PLANES BY 2020

100 01

World Travel Awards 2015, flynas still manages to offer services in Economy such as a checked-in luggage allowance of 20 kilograms. Each aircraft features eight full Business Class seats and Business passengers enjoy benefits such as complimentary lounge access and 25 kilograms of checked-in luggage. The carrier also has plans to increase its fleet from 26 leased Airbus A320s to 100 aircraft over the next decade. It also signed a cooperation agreement with the SCTNH to work together on exhibitions, festivals and tourist visits.

domestically, and we expect to be a very strong regional player.” Flyadeal, the kingdom’s second lowcost carrier, is set to launch in mid2017. A subsidiary of the state-owned holding company that also owns Saudia, the airline will initially serve domestic and regional markets from its hub in Jeddah, before expanding into international markets. According to Saudia’s Director General Saleh Al Jasser, the airline is “focused

FLYNAS AIRCRAFT BY 2027

50 Number of Airbus planes Saudia currently has on order 1,000 Number of weekly flights operated by flynas 18m Total number of passengers that flynas has carried since 2007

on delivering value for money to costconscious customers”, so aircraft will be configured in an all-Economy layout for maximum seating capacity. By 2020, the airline aims to operate up to 50 planes. Al Maha Airways is also preparing to begin operations in the kingdom in 2017. The start-up will initially service Riyadh and Jeddah before expanding to second-tier cities. The airline will operate 10 A320 aircraft, painted white and green to match Saudi Arabia’s national colours, and add 10 to 15 planes each year until it reaches a total of 50 aircraft. Other airlines expected to launch this year include Nesma Airlines Saudi Arabia, an affiliate of Egypt’s Nesma Airlines, which will be based in the northwestern town of Hail, and Sky Prime, which will operate VIP charter services with an initial fleet of seven aircraft including three Airbus, two Gulfstream and two Embraer jets.

Exciting new players Competition is set to heat up as a number of newcomers prepare to take on Saudia and flynas. SaudiGulf currently operates three routes: Dammam to Riyadh, Dammam to Jeddah and Riyadh to Jeddah, offering First Class and Economy fares. It plans to expand its domestic routes to include Abha, Madinah, Qassim and Tabuk. An international route from Dammam to Dubai with Business and Economy Class service is also in the works. Adding to its existing fleet of four Airbus A320s, SaudiGulf will have six new aircraft in the first quarter of 2017 and aims to have 26 planes within the next three years. SaudiGulf president Samer Majali said: “The plan [in five years] is to be a major player within the Saudi Arabian market

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INSIGHT | AIRPORTS

Prepared for take-off With unprecedented levels of investment and ongoing privatisation, the country’s airports are poised to welcome more than 100 million passengers by 2020

Like its neighbours in the UAE and Qatar, Saudi Arabia is keen to make the most of its favourable geographic location and transform the kingdom into a major regional hub. As well as contributing significantly to the Vision 2030 programme aimed at diversifying the economy, the hub effect will help realise the government’s vision for Saudi Arabia to become the main destination for MICE events in the Middle East by the end of the decade. With passenger arrivals forecast to grow from nearly 82 million in 2015 to more than 100 million by 2020, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in airport infrastructure. Tariq Al Essa, Executive Director of Saudi Exhibitions and Convention Bureau (SCEB) said: “New construction and renovation at Saudi airports is currently underway valued at more than SAR113 billion (US$30 billion), with a strong percentage earmarked for the country’s four main international airports in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah.” In conjunction, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) aims to privatise all 27 airports under

its operational control in the next three years, with other aviation services such as navigation and IT also slated to be transferred to the private sector.

The big four Saudi Arabia’s four main international airports – King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam – account for nearly 85 percent of all passenger traffic. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is the kingdom’s busiest and welcomed more than 30 million passengers and 212,799 flights in 2015. The masterplan for the expansion and redevelopment of the airport includes a 670,000-square-metre passenger terminal complex, an airside hotel, a transportation centre with an integrated rail station and over 60 kilometres of belts to handle luggage. Phase one of the three-phase project is already complete, increasing the airport’s capacity from 13 million to 30

Passengers at Saudi Arabia’s airports (millions) 2014

2015

81.9 74.7 68.1 64.8 54.5 2012

2011

Source: AFP

2013

million passengers a year. Phase two will raise this to 45 million passengers and by 2035 the airport will be able to handle 80 million passengers annually. GACA plans to privatise King Abdulaziz International Airport by the end of the year and is also in talks with government agencies to create an airport free zone to attract foreign businesses through relaxed licences, visa and taxation rules. The capital’s King Khalid International Airport is also earmarked as a free zone. Terminal five, which opened last year and handles domestic services, has already been privatised. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is managing the new SAR1.5 billion (US$400 million) terminal for an initial five-year period before the rest of the airport is privatised. The 106,500-square-metre terminal has a capacity of 12 million passengers per year, which should help accommodate growing passenger traffic at the airport which increased by 12 percent in 2015 to 22.5 million. It also has 4,500 square metres of retail and food outlets. The new terminal forms part of the wider SAR10.9 billion (US$2.9 billion) expansion project designed to boost the airport’s capacity to 35.5 million

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NUMBER OF AIRPORTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

646,693 NUMBER OF FLIGHTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

15.5

PERCENTAGE INCREASE YEAR-ON-YEAR IN DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN 2015 Source: General Authority of Civil Aviation

passengers a year when completed in 2019. Phase two will increase this to 47.5 million. As well as redesigning and expanding the existing terminals three and four, the project will see new terminal lounges and a conference and exhibition centre constructed at the site. Airport passengers will also benefit from the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, commonly known as the Riyadh Metro, due to be operational by the end of 2018. Spanning 176 kilometres and 85 stations, the metro will comprise six lines linking King Khalid International Airport to King Abdullah

Financial Centre, the city centre and the main university campuses. To accommodate the growing number of religious tourists, Madinah’s new SAR4.5 billion (US$1.2 billion) Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport was opened last year. Passenger-handling capacity has more than doubled to eight million passengers a year and further development will allow the airport to serve 18 million passengers by 2034. The eco-friendly airport was developed in a pioneering public-private partnership between GACA and a

01: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh 02: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

consortium comprising Turkey’s TAV Airports and local contracting firms Al Rajhi Holdings and Saudi Oger. Faisal Al Sugair, Vice-Chairman of GACA, said the project is a clear example of the merits of private sector involvement in the field of aviation. “The project was delivered ahead of time and within budget, and has already won a number of awards. I am delighted that we have enhanced our ability to welcome an increased number of visitors to Madinah at a higher level of service,” he said. Privatisation of Dammam’s airport is also scheduled for completion by the end of the year. King Fahd International Airport has seen constant growth in the number of passengers, up 14 percent year-on-year in 2015 to more than nine million people. With new airline SaudiGulf now based at the airport, the number of travellers using the airport is only set to increase. Furthermore, analysts believe Dammam’s location on the east coast close to Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE could see it emerge as a hub alongside Manama, Doha and Dubai, providing a competitive boost for the kingdom among its Gulf rivals. New developments at King Fahd International Airport include an additional First and Business Class passenger hall and a five-star hotel. Meanwhile, other regional airports that are currently undergoing expansion work include those in Jizan, Abha, Qassim, Al Jouf and Yanbu.

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INSIGHT | NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The great transformation Saudi Arabia is on the path of progression, with work continuing across multiple sectors as the Arab country moves towards its Vision 2030 2017 Radisson Blu Hotel

2017 Haramain High Speed Rail station

2017

2018

2019

2018 Jeddah Economic City project

2018 Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah

2020 King Abdullah Economic City

2017 King Abdulaziz International Airport

2017

Railway project gathers momentum: The Haramain High Speed Rail station connecting Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Madinah and Makkah will be operational in early 2017. Flying high: Jeddah’s upgraded King Abdulaziz International Airport is expected to be open by mid-2017, allowing the airport to double daily flights to 1,000. New to aviation: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is said to launch a new low cost carrier called Flyadeal in mid-2017, with up to 50 planes expected to be flying by 2020. Business travel boost: A 200-room Radisson Blu Hotel at Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Centre featuring 1,075 sqaure metres of meeting and event space is scheduled to open.

2017 Flyadeal Education a priority: To encourage entrepreneurship in the kingdom, the US$100 billion King Abdullah Economic City mega-project will start its degree programmes at the Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College Of Business and Entrepreneurship this year. Open door for Rezidor: The Rezidor Hotel Group Saudi Arabia is set to open two Park Inn by Radisson Hotels in Makkah in 2017, with a pipeline of 17 hotels and 3,780 rooms over the next five years.

2018

Hilton stakes a claim: The highly-anticipated 154-room Hampton by Hilton Riyadh Olaya is due to open in 2018. Owned by the FAS Hotels Group and operated by Hilton Worldwide, KSA’s first Hampton by Hilton will be located in the city’s commercial district by Olaya Street and Tahlia Street.

Shangri-La enters the kingdom: Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah is expected to open in early 2018. The 236-room hotel and serviced residences development will be located on Jeddah Corniche Road facing the Red Sea. VAT introduction: The kingdom is to introduce value-added tax (VAT), in line with a broader GCC-wide agreement to introduce VAT. Its introduction could increase state revenue by up to US$10 billion per year, according to government estimates. Jeddah Economic City Project: The threephase mixed-use Jeddah Economic City project is due for completion. Located on a 530-hectare site along the shores of the Red Sea, the project will have the world’s tallest building, The Kingdom Tower, as its centerpiece, along with 5.3 million square meters of additional urban space.

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Hotels in the pipeline

Both the Radisson Blu Hotels and the Rezidor Hotel Group Saudi Arabia are slated to open properties in 2017, followed by Hilton Worldwide and Shangri-La in 2018. Pipeline hotels continue to gather momentum through till 2022 when Starwood is expected to open two new hotels in Riyadh.

2035 Completion of KAIA

2019 Riyadh Metro

2035

2030

2025

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2025 King Abdulaziz International Airport

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2019

Metro moves ahead: The US$23 billion Riyadh Metro will be completed in 2019. The six-line metro system includes 85 stations and will run for a total length of 176-kilometres, equivalent to 110 miles.

2020

Bold plans for KAEC: The Emaar-owned 181-million-square-metre King Abdullah Economic City is planning to attract more than one million tourists to the city by 2020, and 3.5 million by 2025.

2022

Starwood expansion: The Westin Riyadh and Element Riyadh are scheduled to open this year. The former will feature 388 rooms and serviced apartments, while the latter will boast 244 studios and one- and two-bedroom suites.

2025 Marriott Jeddah

2025

Marriott makes its mark: The hotelier has revealed that 21 new hotels with approximately 4,200 rooms will be open across the kingdom by 2025.

2025

Tourism numbers to increase: The masterplan for King Abdulaziz International Airport, located north of Jeddah, expansion project is being implemented in three phases until 2035. By 2025, the airport is expected to handle 43 million annual passengers and will feature a transportation centre with a rail station.

2025

Increased capacity for imports: As part of King Abdullah Port’s (KAP) masterplan, the mega port is allocating huge resources to its future development. By 2025, the port will expand its capacity from 2017’s target of six

million TEU to 20 million TEU, accommodating 11,070-metre container ships by 2025.

2030

Vision 2030: The Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision, a multi-prong strategy to move the Saudi Arabian economy away from an over-reliance on oil revenues to a more balanced model, concludes.

2035

Completion of KAIA: The development of Saudi Arabia’s third largest airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport, is due for completion, with annual capacity expected to reach up to 80 million passengers.

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INSIGHT | CITY VIEW

Riyadh – the capital city As the beating heart of Saudi Arabia, the capital presents plenty of landmark buildings and top hotels for business travellers and event planners to choose from

Kingdom Centre The 41-storey skyscraper is a gem in Riyadh’s skyline. Home to a shopping mall, apartments, offices, Spazio 77 restaurant and lounge, and the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Kingdom Centre, the 300-metre landmark is crowned by The Sky Bridge – an architectural marvel that sits on top of Kingdom Centre. Al Faisaliyah Tower Designed by architect firm Foster and Partners, the iconic Al Faisaliyah Tower is located in Riyadh’s business district. The distinctive 267-metre-high office tower is part of the 240,000-squaremetre Al Faisaliyah Complex, an urban development made up of Al Faisaliyah Tower, the Al Faisaliah Mall and the fivestar Al Faisaliah Hotel.

Al Anoud Tower Completed in 2005, the 155-metre-high Al Anoud skyscraper stands tall along King Fahd Road, one of Riyadh’s busiest thoroughfares. The tower also houses the upscale Hotel Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud. Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Situated in the heart of the Riyadh’s commercial and business district, this five-star hotel can be found within Burj Rafal, a mixed-use development encompassing residential apartments, a spa, a shopping boulevard and the popular Kempinski hotel. Ministry of Interior The low-rise headquarters of this government department has long been a part on Riyadh’s cityscape.

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New developments King Abdullah Financial District The project will be located north of Riyadh, on a total area of 1.6 million square metres. Comparable in size to London’s Canary Wharf, the Financial Market Tower will be the highest of KAFD’s towers, at 385 metres. Museum of the Built Environment Part of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the 340,000-square-foot museum will resemble a chiseled rock when complete, and will house galleries, a 150-seat auditorium, and a restaurant, in addition to a monorail station and a network of skywalks. Riyadh Monorail The new transport system will form part of KAFD, which is aiming to be an eco-friendly, car-free oasis in the capital city. The monorail will feature six elevated stations across the new urban development.

King Fahd International Stadium King Fahd International Stadium is a 30-minute drive from Riyadh city centre. Aside from football, the 68,000-capacity multi-purpose stadium regularly plays host to other sporting events, such as athletics. Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center You’ll find this state-of-the-art centre a short 15-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport. Owned by Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the unique wave-like roof and standout architectural features have made RICEC one of Riyadh’s landmark buildings.

Downtown Riyadh. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media

National Museum Part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, the National Museum is one of the largest in the Middle East. Covering 28,000 square meters, the two-storey museum is popular with locals and tourists alike. Aloft Riyadh The newest hotel to open in the capital is the 281-room Aloft Riyadh, which boasts 220 square metres of meeting space across five meeting rooms. The innovative property marks the brand’s first foray into the kingdom. Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia A 10-minute walk from Riyadh’s historical Murabba Palace, close to Olaya Business District, this business hotel can be found in the in the Khaldia Towers complex.

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NEIGHBOURHOODS | INSIGHT

Insider guide

Riyadh From museums to skyscrapers and shopping malls, Saudi Arabia’s capital combines tradition with modernity to make meetings in the city truly memorable 01

As Saudi Arabia’s largest city, Riyadh has long been the location of choice for meetings and events in the kingdom. Divided into 15 municipal districts, the capital is the country’s financial centre and home to plethora of hotels, attractions and venues that make mixing business with leisure both easy and enjoyable. Aside from superstar venues such as 1 Riyadh International Exhibition & Convention Centre, the city is also home to a number of other noteworthy spaces, including King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, the host venue for a number of key healthcare events in the city; Alfaisal University, a popular venue for science-related

gatherings; and King Fahd Cultural Center, another well-liked option for planners hosting an event in the capital. In recent years, the Saudi government has invested hugely in areas such as the Olaya District, Riyadh’s growing financial district and site of landmarks such as 2 Kingdom Centre and 3 Al Faisaliyah Complex. The former is a 99-storey tower comprising a shopping mall, food court, apartments, offices, the 4 Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Kingdom Centre and the world’s tallest mosque on the 77th floor. 5 The Sky Bridge observation deck at the top of tower, meanwhile, offers panoramic views of the whole city. Equally jaw-dropping is the Al Faisaliyah Complex, where you’ll find 6 Al Faisaliyah Tower, the 7 Al Faisaliah Mall and the five-star 8 Al Faisaliah Hotel. The 9 King Abdullah Financial District, a new development under construction along King Fahd Road, will also be sited near the Olaya District. Once complete, this 1.6-million-squarefoot project will contain the headquarters of the Financial Market (Tadawul), in addition to a financial academy and numerous financial services companies. For shopping, head to Olaya Road, Riyadh’s upscale shopping strip which is peppered with malls such as 10

Venture outside the city to visit: The Edge of the World, Saudi’s ‘Grand Canyon’. Around a 90-minute drive west of Riyadh, the imposing cliffs of Tuwaiq Escarpment are ideal for an afternoon hike. scta.gov.sa Dir’iyah, a Unesco World Heritage Site located 22 kilometres northwest of Riyadh. The original capital city of the first Saudi state, this fascinating site offers history buffs a glimpse into the kingdom’s past. whc.unesco.org Dirab Golf & Country Club, the only 18-hole, par-72 championship grass golf course in Saudi Arabia. Open yearround, the course also features meeting rooms – perfect for planners organising a corporate teambuilding afternoon. dirabgolf.com

01: Masmak Palace 02: Riyadh Downtown. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 03: Riyadh Zoo. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media 04: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

Riyadh Gallery, 11 Marina Mall, Azizia Mall and 12 Centria Mall. Along nearby King Abdul Aziz Road is 13 Hayat Mall, a two-storey shopping centre comprising multiple stores. From Riyadh’s financial district, venture south towards Al Dirah Quarter – one of the oldest parts of the city. Start your jaunt around Al Dirah at 14 Masmak Palace, a historical fort featuring four watch towers, a mosque and a museum. Just south of Masmak Palace is 15 Souq Al Thumairi, a popular souk packed with shops selling everything from Arabic coffee pots and calligraphy to silver jewellery and carpets. Another museum worth a visit is the 16 National Museum, part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center. Here, Saudi Arabia’s past comes to life through a captivating display of antiques, manuscripts, documents and artifacts. Travellers in town with their families should stop by 17 Riyadh Zoo – the largest zoo in the kingdom. When night falls there are myriad stay options in the capital. 18 Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh, 19 Riyadh Marriott Hotel, 20 Intercontinental Riyadh, 21 The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, 22 Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, 23 Aloft Riyadh and 24 Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski are excellent choices.

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NEIGHBOURHOODS | INSIGHT

Insider guide AH

Jeddah Between preserving the kingdom’s past and promoting its future, the port city of Jeddah is emerging as a leading meetings and events destination 01

01: Historic Jeddah. Photo by: Mohammed Abed Al-Thaqafi 02: Jeddah Fountain 03: Car sculpture, Jeddah Corniche. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 04: Jeddah Corniche. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

Few cities merge their country’s history with its 21st-century vision like Jeddah, once a trading and pilgrimage city and now the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia. Located on the eastern shore of the Red Sea, many of the kingdom’s main attractions and venues can be found in the resort city of Jeddah. As the last surviving urban site along the Red Sea coast that still preserves the architectural traditions of the Red Sea, start your expedition at 1 Al-Balad, Jeddah’s Old Town and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit 2 Al Naseef House, a museum and cultural centre, 3 Jeddah Municipality Museum, also referred to as Bait Al Balad, and 4 Al-Shafi’i Mosque, the

oldest mosque in the city and one of its most important Islamic sites. 5 Souq al-Alawi, meanwhile, offers the perfect setting for souvenir shopping. Often described as an open museum, the outdoor art in Jeddah is lauded the world over. Head to the 6 Al Hamra Corniche Open Air Museum and marvel at the some of the city’s famed al fresco sculptures. Also along the 7 Corniche is the Atallah Happy Land Park, a potential venue for team building, and one that houses the largest number of amusement park rides in Saudi Arabia. South of here is the 60,000-square-metre 8 Al Shallal Theme Park and popular family entertainment facility 9 Fakieh Aquarium.

OUD

Pipeline projects Prince Sultan Cultural Center: The Atkins-designed Prince Sultan Cultural Center is a large-scale mixed-use project to be located in Obhur, north of Jeddah City. The site area is approximately 2.4 million square metres, and will incorporate residential elements with healthcare, education, retail and commercial space. Jeddah Economic City Project: The three-phase mixeduse Jeddah Economic City project is due for completion in 2018. Located on a 530-hectare site along the shores of the Red Sea, the project will have the world’s tallest building as its centerpiece. New hotels: The Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah, designed by Perkins+Will, is expected to open in early 2018. The 236-room hotel and serviced residences development will be located on Jeddah Corniche Road facing the Red Sea.

The Corniche also offers some great accommodation, including 10 Jeddah Hilton, 11 Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, 12 Rosewood Jeddah and 13 Movenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah. A stone’s throw from the coast is Tahlia Street (Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street), a popular street brimming with upscale department stores, boutiques and shopping malls. A number of noteworthy art galleries can alos be found in Tahlia Street, including the 14 Saudi Center for Fine Arts, which has been around for more than two decades; 15 Arabian Wings Gallery, located in the upmarket 16 Al Khayyat Center; and 17 Athr Gallery, one of the city’s foremost contemporary art galleries. Another road where attractions, hotels and champion venues are abundant is Medina Road. For events there is the 18 Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center, a 10,000-square-metre venue comprising a modern conference hall and business centre, and 19 Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, the location for this year’s inaugural Automechanika Jeddah. The nearby 20 Mall of Arabia is an opportune place to while away some time between conference seminars, with a number of nearby hotels ready to check you in when your event ends.

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NEIGHBOURHOODS | INSIGHT

Insider guide

Eastern Province A country-wide drive to ramp up the meetings calendar in the Eastern Province means the region is working hard to earn its place in the MICE market 01

01: Eastern Province. Photo by Alvin Purificacion 02: Dammam Corniche 03: Sail sculpture 04: Jubail

From the cultural highlights and fishing hotpots in Dammam, to the bustling waterfront of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is the largest province in Saudi Arabia. Home to some of the most important petroleum refining centres in the world, the province has long been the location of choice for events, conferences and trade shows for the country’s oil and gas sector, with venues such as the Dhahran Expo offering a versatile venue option for companies looking to hold their event in the kingdom. Away from the province’s premier venues, however, there’s an assortment of attractions. Dammam, the capital of the province, is considered to be one of the most ancient inhabited places in Saudi Arabia. 1 The Dammam Regional Museum, located in the Dammam Public Library, celebrates this cultural and historical significance by showcasing the region’s prehistoric past across four gallery halls. 2 Mall of Dhahran, meanwhile, represents a 21st-century side to the city with a range of cafés, department stores and boutiques. In Dammam’s seafront area is the 3 Dammam Corniche, a landscaped thoroughfare perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. At the end of the

Top venue Planning an event in Dammam? Check out Dhahran International Exhibitions Company, the sole meeting organiser in the Eastern Province. Aside from providing planners with a gateway for hosting trade shows and conferences, its associated venue, Dhahran Expo, is the leading meetings venue in the province. Dhahran Expo, which opened in 1985, is spread over an area of 100,000 square metres and has enough parking for 2,500 vehicles. On site you will find two interconnected exhibition halls totalling 7,200 square metres, a 1,000-square-metre banquet hall, and more than 10,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space. There’s also a business centre, VIP lounge, cafeteria, mosque and gardens. Dhahran Expo hosts more than 30 events every year and welcomes more than one million visitors. Diec.com.sa

Corniche is the pick-up location for a boat ride around Marjan Island, a manmade island offering spectacular views across Eastern Province. Connected to Dammam Pier on the mainland via a bridge, the island’s lighthouse and amusement park, 4 Dolphin Village, are two sites worth visiting. North of here is 5 Al Qatif and 6 Tarout Island. Renowned open-air market Souk al-Khamis is located in the Al Qatif district while the old fort town of Tarout is situated on Tarout Island. The coastal city of 7 Al Khobar, a 40-minute drive from Dammam Airport, is a picturesque place where the province’s past is celebrated at 8 Heritage Village, considered one of the most significant traditional museums in Saudi Arabia. In contrast, modern luxuries can be found at nearby 9 Al Rashid Mall and 10 Fanar Mall. Along Al Khobar’s corniche is Half Moon Beach, a suitable spot for team building activities. A day trip to 11 Hofuf is another great way to spend an afternoon in the kingdom’s largest province. Located within the oasis of Al Ahsa, Hofuf is known for being one of the largest date producers in the world and home of Qasr Ibrahim Palace and the Al Ahsa Oasis National Park.

12 Jubail, host of the largest industrial city in the Middle East, is another city in the Eastern Province popular with event planners specilising in the petrochemicals market. Getting to Jubail and the wider Eastern Province is relatively easy. The King Fahd Causeway links Dammam to Bahrain by road and the province is served by King Fahd International Airport (KFIA). Visitors can chose from a growing number hotels in the area, from 13 InterContinental Hotel Al Jubail and the 14 Park Inn by Radisson Dammam to 15 Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre and Le Méridien Al Khobar Hotel.

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NEIGHBOURHOODS | INSIGHT

Insider guide

Red Sea Coast The Red Sea Coast is undergoing a transformation with eco-tourism and religious travel presenting new opportunities for meetings in the region 01

01: Ancient Hegra, Qasr Farid tomb 02: Nabawi Mosque. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 03: Makkah 04: Abdul Majeed Isa

A 45-minute drive from Jeddah is 1 Makkah, a city in the Al Madinah Province and the religious heart of Saudi Arabia. Synonymous with religious tourism, Makkah is at the centre of the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as well as nonmandatory Umrah pilgrimages. Combined, these journeys contribute SAR45 billion (US$12 billion) annually to the kingdom’s economy. While many of Makkah’s attractions revolve around the city’s religious significance, such as 2 Ka’aba (the House of God towards which all Muslims direct their prayers five times a day) and 3 Masjid Al Haram (the Sacred Mosque and largest mosque on the planet), there is also plenty on offer outside the city. 4 Jabal al Nour, often referred to as the Mountain of Light after Prophet Mohammed received his first revelation from archangel Gabriel in the cave of Hira, holds tremendous significance for Muslims throughout the world and is well worth the journey through the mountains. Equally significant is 5 Al Jamarat, situated on the plain of Mina, and 6 Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Mohammed and Abu Bakr Al Siddiq sought refuge as they left Makkah and emigrated to Madinah.

Northwest of the Mountain of Light is 7 Mada’in Saleh, a pre-Islamic archaeological site, and the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. Considered to be one of the world’s most fascinating sites for antiquities, this mountainous landmark in Al-Ula contains numerous tombs carved into the rock. Some tour operators combine trips here with visits to the historic Al Ula Old Town and famed Mammoth Mountain. In the 8 Asir Mountains, 30-minutes north of Jabal al Nour, is 9 Abha. Situated 2,200 metres above sea level this hilly city, also the capital of Assir province, features a number of

Looking ahead Saudi Arabia’s new award-winning Medina Airport, which was inaugurated in July 2015 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is expected to serve 16 million passengers by 2034. Hoteliers continue to invest in the region. Last year InterContinental Hotels Group announced plans to open the world’s largest Holiday Inn hotel in Makkah, the Holiday Inn Makkah Abraaj Al Tayseer. In a bid to promote eco-tourism in the country, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has earmarked three sites across the kingdom for tourism investment, one of them being the city of Souq Okaz in Taif. Under the new plans, the site will have an environmental camp covering an area of 115,000 square metres. 77 percent of hospitality investment in the kingdom is in Makkah and Madinah.

historical sites, such as Shadda Palace, built in the 1920s and now a museum, and Rijal Almaa Traditional Village, a World Heritage Site that consists of about 60 palaces built from natural stone, clay and wood. Adding to this scenic destination further is the Asir National Park, established in 1980 as the first protected area for plants and animals in Saudi Arabia, making it the first park of its kind in the kingdom. Before visiting any sites in the region, check online for permit information and travel restrictions. An hour north of Jeddah is 10 King Abdullah Economic City, a megaproject comprising four major components: King Abdullah Port (KAP), Industrial Valley, The Coastal Communities and Hijaz Downtown. The 168-millionsquare-metre development is strategically located between Makkah and Madinah, and will be home to two million people once complete. Accommodation options are aplenty in the Red Sea coastal area, with hoteliers opening up new outposts often. In Makkah you’ll find the 11 Conrad Makkah, 12 Le Méridien Makkah, 13 Hyatt Regency Makkah and 14 Raffles Makkah Palace – all of which offer convenient accommodation options for event planners.

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INSIGHT | GETTING AROUND

Navigating the kingdom From flying between cities to booking a car using Uber, moving around the country is easy when you know how

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01: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 02: Taxi, Jeddah

By air Saudi Arabia boasts the biggest market for domestic travel in the Middle East and flying is by far the most convenient way of travelling around the kingdom. Domestic air travel is dominated by Saudia, which serves all 27 airports across the country, with flynas and SaudiGulf competing with the national carrier on the most popular routes. Flight time from Jeddah to Riyadh is around 95 minutes; Riyadh to Dammam takes just over an hour and Dammam to Jeddah around two-and-a-half hours.

Renting a car is also a viable option. International car rental companies such as Avis, Budget and Europcar charge around SAR150 to SAR225 (US$40 to US$60) for a medium-sized car, while local companies offer rates as low as SAR56 (US$15) a day for a small car. Rates can be negotiated, although most companies apply daily mileage restrictions so be sure to check the policy on this. Visitors can drive with a valid international driving licence and must carry their passports at all times. Drivers are advised to look out for large truck convoys that ply the road between the main cities.

By car The kingdom has an excellent network of highways and some of the cheapest petrol in the world. Taxis and chauffeur-driven cars are the easiest way to get around cities. It is advisable to find out the name of your destination in Arabic before you start your journey and to take along a map as well as the phone number of a person you can call to ask for directions.

By bus Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) offers a comfortable, affordable and efficient inter-city bus service to 600 cities, towns and villages throughout the kingdom. It also operates daily trips to neighbouring countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the UAE. VIP services are available on selected routes, such as between Riyadh

and Al Khobar and Makkah and Madinah, as well as to Bahrain. These direct, non-stop buses offer more legroom and include meals, newspapers and facilities to use mobile devices and laptops. Travellers should note that services are reduced during the annual Hajj pilgrimage as SAPTCO’s buses are used to ferry pilgrims between Makkah and Madinah.

By train Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the region where rail travel is possible. At present, the sole passenger line connects the capital Riyadh to Dammam via Hufof and Abqaiq, completing the 450-kilometre journey in around four hours. Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) operates a daily service, with carriages divided into three classes. The country is on course to rapidly expand its railway network in the next decade, investing SAR364 billion (US$97 billion) to lay 15,000 kilometres of track for freight, high-speed passenger and urban metro trains.

RIYADH Taxi: Flag-down fares start at SAR5 (US$1.33) for the official white taxis and the tariff per kilometre is SAR2.50 (US$0.67). However, most drivers prefer to quote a flat fare, which is agreed upon before the trip starts. Bartering is expected and can save a lot of money. Private car: For those who would prefer to avoid the hassle of negotiating a cab fare, London Taxi is a popular chauffeurdriven service. The app-based ride-sharing service Uber is also widely used for both intra- and inter-city travel. Train: Riyadh is connected to Dammam on the east coast by six daily trains (five on Fridays). The terminus is located in the Al Malaz district and passengers must arrive at least 30 minutes early to pass through security. Coach: Riyadh’s Central Bus Terminal is located in the Aziziyah district. SAPTCO buses depart regularly for Dammam, while it takes 10 to 12 hours to reach Jeddah or Makkah in the west. JEDDAH Taxi: A 10-minute journey in Jeddah’s white taxis costs around SAR20 (US$6). More expensive white limousine taxis also operate across the city and cost an average SAR3.75 to SAR11.25 (US$1 to US$3) more than the basic cabs. As in other Saudi cities, fares can be negotiated in advance. Private car: Uber operates in Jeddah. For those who would prefer to drive, Jeddah’s wide streets have signage in both Arabic and English.

DAMMAM Taxi: Taxis within the city centre usually cost between SAR10 and SAR20 (US$2.67 and $US5.34). A limousine taxi

from King Fahd International Airport to the city centre takes 30 minutes and costs around SAR70 to SAR80 (US$19 to US$21). Public shuttle buses are available during the day and cost SAR15 (US$4) one-way. Private car: Uber is available in Dammam and charges a flat fare of SAR75 (US$20) from the airport to the city centre, SAR90 (US$24) from the airport to Dhahran and SAR100 (US$27) to Al Khobar. Train: Dammam railway station is about eight kilometres from the city centre. There are six daily trains to Riyadh (five on Fridays). Coach: Dammam bus station is located behind Marina Mall at the intersection of 11th Street and Waaqidi Street. There are regular daily departures to cities across the kingdom as well as Bahrain. MAKKAH The international gateway to Makkah is King Abdulaziz International Airport

in Jeddah, 60 kilometres north of the holy city. During the annual Hajj, the airport has a separate terminal for pilgrims who are transported into town using a dedicated bus service. While the multi-lane highway between Jeddah and Makkah is packed with buses during Hajj season, traffic is light throughout the rest of the year. Taxi and private car: A taxi from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Makkah is around SAR150 (US$40), again to be negotiated with the driver. Uber offers a flat rate of SAR230 (US$61) from Jeddah city centre or airport to Makkah. Taxis around Makkah city centre are inexpensive. Bus and coach: SAPTCO buses run to and from Makkah and destinations across the country. The city has two bus terminals of which only the main terminal outside the city limits is open to all. The city-centre terminal near the Sacred Mosque is restricted to Muslims and is used mainly by buses to Jeddah. Local buses and microbuses within Makkah city transport are inexpensive. Metro: The 18 kilometre Al Mashaaer-Al Mugaddassah Metro opened in 2010. It can transport up to 72,000 pilgrims per hour to and from the religious sites in and around Makkah. MADINAH Madinah’s Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is welcoming an increasing number of direct flights from the Middle East. Many pilgrims also arrive at Islam’s second holiest city by bus from Makkah and SAPTCO’s luxury bus costs around SAR169 (US$45) return. The only public transport options within the city are taxis.

ALL IMAGES ALAMY/PHOCAL MEDIA

Citywise

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INSIGHT | INTERVIEW

Meeting the future Since its launch in 2013, the Saudi Exhibitions & Conventions Bureau (SECB) has been busy nurturing and developing the events and meeting sector in the country. Tariq Al Essa, SECB’s Executive Director, talks performance, plans and progress

Set up primarily to develop Saudi Arabia’s exhibition and convention sector, the Saudi Exhibitions & Conventions Bureau is making bold steps towards positioning the kingdom as a vibrant destination for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The bureau’s vision to foster, regulate and monitor a sector that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy is integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of transforming the kingdom’s strategic location into a global hub connecting three continents – Asia, Europe and Africa. Tariq Al Essa, SECB’s Executive

Director, reflects on the bureau’s work to date and shares future plans for the meetings sector in Saudi Arabia. What did Saudi Arabia’s meetings landscape look like prior to SECB’s launch in 2013? TAE: We are a new self funded government organisation. Prior to our establishment, business events in Saudi Arabia were regulated with no government direction or priority. However, the government recognised the importance of the meetings industry and it approved a strategy to develop that industry. As a result, it established

01: Opening Session Saudi Association Day 2014 02: Saudi Forum for Convention and Exhibition

the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) in September 2013 to develop and organise the meetings industry in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Convention Bureau is operated differently to other bureaus around the world. Our mandate is not only promotion; it is also development of the industry. As a first step, we identified the major obstacles to that industry’s growth. However, when we started we didn’t have a base. We didn’t know how many meetings and events were going on. We also identified a number of challenges we needed to address. The first was to do with accessibility. Foreign people struggle to attend events in Saudi Arabia because it’s not easy to obtain a visa. Then, we identified infrastructure capacity – Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the GCC and there is adequate venues to host major events. After this came human resources. The country needs more professionals in events management; therefore, foreigners dominate the market. The fourth issue is the participation of women in events – such as visitors, speakers or exhibitors. A challenge for us is to increase women participation while remaining within our cultural and religious framework. The last barrier was the regulatory framework. Regulations must be put in place to standardise the industry while facilitating its development. Some steps have been made but we are still at an embryonic stage. How have you been addressing these obstacles and what strategies are you putting in place to enhance the industry’s growth? TAE: The reason the Bureau exists is to solve these problems. Our first goal is to develop a regulatory framework. We have made some accomplishments in this area, such as the implementation of

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the “Istanbul Memo” – an international memo containing rules and regulations to facilitate the temporary access to products through customs. As per the visas, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to smooth the process to obtain visas for speakers and exhibitors. Visitors, speakers, or expositors will apply through an e-system and will receive their visa online. The system will additionally track the person’s moves thus increasing level of internal security. Our second goal is to implement a world-class venue in Saudi Arabia to attract major events. In addition, we aim to provide information and statistics to measure the economic impact of the meeting industry in Saudi Arabia. To do this, we created an electronic gate – a SAR12 million project that is at the heart of the Saudi meetings industry. All operations and events happening in Saudi Arabia are reported in that e-system. The gate is unique in the world, and it provides up-to-date data to assist business professionals from all around the world not only to understand the behaviour of the meetings industry, but the behaviour of all economic sectors in Saudi Arabia. This electronic gate was launched in November 2015 and is part of the goal of the Bureau to become a platform for the meetings industry. Finally, through the electronic gate, we will manage event licensing. This will allow us to build up a huge and highly detailed database of what events have taken place in the country, the people that attended it, and what has been discussed in terms of new trends and technologies in any sector. Part of SECB’s remit is to enhance the standards of meetings in the kingdom. How are you doing this? TAE: In Saudi Arabia, it is not yet clear what the difference is between a conference, a workshop, an expo or a summit. We are classifying events and companies. More than two thousand companies organise events in Saudi Arabia; however, those companies are not classified, there is still no distinction between an A-event organiser and a B-event organiser. Enhancing the classification is a way to raise the quality standards of the events.

Our vision is to convert Saudi Arabia into a major destination for meetings in the world

How are you collaborating with other stakeholders to further your vision? TAE: Another goal that is of crucial importance, not just for the industry but for the growth of the whole country, relates to human resources. We want Saudi people to play a key role in the industry. We approached universities and other institutes, and right now some of them offer courses in event management. We have also secured the involvement of investors in the creation of the Saudi Event Management Academy (SEMA), which is the first step in our bid to fill the gap between Saudi’s manpower and the competencies that the industry requires. Interestingly, the academy is unique in the Middle East region. Looking ahead, in which sectors do you see most opportunity? TAE: Many Saudis do not yet realise the great potential hidden in the meetings

THOUSAND COMPANIES ORGANISE EVENTS IN KSA

MILLION INVESTED IN SECB’S E-GATE

1st

PRIORITY FOR SECB IS TO DEVELOP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

industry. We need to change that thinking. There are plenty of opportunities in Saudi Arabia. We are number one in the world for water desalination and water treatment, and obviously oil, power, petrochemicals, Islamic finance and date production. This gives the country an opportunity to do business events in these sectors which will positively enhance the economy and society. Our vision is to convert Saudi Arabia into a major destination for meetings in the world, which we can be. Finally, our last goal is to promote Saudi Arabia as a destination for MICE. We started from strengthening this idea at a local level and we will gradually extend our campaign to regional and international level. In 2015, we spent time characterising Saudi companies to highlight the importance of meeting up, discussing, and exchanging opinions, views, and technologies. We also developed the “ambassador program” with the aim of selecting and training a number of Saudi medical professionals and scientific associations and federations who will be in charge of contacting international associations to discuss partnership opportunities for hosting events in our country. This will strongly enhance the image of Saudi Arabia as a meeting hub in the region and worldwide, and will make a positive contribution to the tourism sector.

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ADVERTORIAL | HILL-MICE

Peak performance Leading event organisers Hill-MICE prepare for a productive year ahead in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

With around 600 conference and meetings venues hosting nearly 100,000 meetings each year, the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) – the governing organisation for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition) for Saudi Arabia - has done a fine job in nurturing and developing the sector. Working closely with leading event organisers such as Hill-MICE – a complete meetings and events management company based in KSA, the aim now is to fuel further growth as Managing Director of Hill-MICE, Bilal Barmawi, explains.

01 & 03: Hill-MICE exhibitions 02: Riyadh. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

What are your thoughts on doing business in Saudi Arabia? BB: Saudi Arabia holds a very stable position in the GCC region and there are many big business opportunities, which we can still avail of in KSA. If we start the business today in Saudi Arabia I think that it will be huge soon, and in the coming years Saudi Arabia is going to provide more stable and better business opportunities than before. With the help of Vision 2030 there will be great changes in all sectors of businesses and Saudi Arabia has a great potential in the coming years.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced in the industry? BB: The MICE sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is well developed. Every year there are hundreds of meetings that are organised here with many exhibitions and events that take place every year in the Kingdom. There are many opportunities created by the MICE industry - it gives a platform to companies to show their products or services through one medium. It’s also a great way to market your products and there are several training events that take place throughout the year, which gives

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people a chance to develop themselves in their field of work. Challenges faced at this time involve finding professional people who know how to deliver professional events. The procedures for organising an event are still a bit difficult. I believe that the government should make the procedure easier for organising events.

Can you talk us through some of the business highlights for 2016/17? BB: Compared to previous years, 2016 was not a great year for the MICE industry because there were many changes with new rules and regulations introduced for organisers and management companies by SECB, but organising an event is easy now because everything is under control of the bureau now so organisers can just contact the bureau for organising any kind of event. We are very positive for the future of our company in the coming years. HillMICE is the first company to have membership in some of the most important international associations and organisations, including UFI, ICCA, MPI, SITE and IAEE. We have seen great success in a very short time. Our main priority now is to make our events more professional and better organised and we are working hard to make ourselves the top MICE company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. How do you work with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau? BB: Our relations with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau are excellent and, as a matter of fact, we are working with both of them shoulder to shoulders to develop and enhance this MICE industry more for the bright future of events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. What are some of the trends you're noticing in the way business events are hosted? BB: Some of the trends that we noticed are that all these events are professionally organised and many of them are organised specifically with international standards and they provide a big

We are working hard to make ourselves the top MICE company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

04: Saudi Lab Expo organised by Hill-MICE company 05: Bilal Barmawi, Managing Director of Hill-MICE

platform for the business entrepreneurs and decision makers. They bring great business potential to all their exhibitors and sponsors.

Are you seeing increased demand for training courses and consulting services in the kingdom? BB: Yes, as the world introduces new trends and technologies in all sectors I think the demand of training courses and consulting services are also getting higher day by day.

Will you be adding more events to your calendar in 2017? BB: Some of the existing events that have the most interest at the moment are The Second Saudi International Lab Expo, The Saudi International Hotel Expo for Equipment & Technology and The 4th Saudi International Exhibition for People with Special Requirements DIAA. We are planning to add some new events in our calendar that will be displayed on our website: hillmice.com 33

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LEAD VENUE | MEET

Model venue Considered one of the most significant venues in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh International Exhibition & Convention Center is playing a vital role in driving the country’s meetings and events industry

Known, admired and visited for the medley of events held here, Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center’s (RICEC) vision for the kingdom’s MICE sector was clear from the outset: to lead conferences and exhibitions in Saudi Arabia through unrivalled service and a state-of-the-art venue. Since swinging open its doors in 2009, RICEC has stayed true to its longstanding mission and has become a leading venue for domestic and regional event planners alike, with large-scale events such Saudi Health and Metal & Steel Saudi Arabia returning to the megavenue for another year in 2017.

What sets the venue apart is not only its distinctive wave-like exterior but its first-rate facilities. Inside, event planners and attendees will find more than 14,000 square metres of columnfree exhibition space, a 1,100-seat auditorium and more than 4,000 square metres of outdoor space. There’s also a VIP lounge, business centre and a series of restaurants to support largescale conferences. For planners looking for out-of-thebox events, RICEC holds pre-event meetings with organisers to hash out ways to make each event as rewarding as possible. It has also invested in

01: RICEC 02: Event at RICEC

employee training and professional development to ensure events are supported with local knowledge and support. As Saudi Arabia’s government moves ahead with its 2030 Vision to create a thriving economy, one thing is certain: venues such as RICEC will continue to play a fundamental role in making the kingdom’s vision a reality.

Venues such as RICEC will continue to play a fundamental role in making the kingdom’s vision a reality 01 02

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Impressive vistas Prime addresses Modern-day appeal At your service Best of the ballrooms

Spaces for all seasons As new hotels continue to open across the kingdom, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene is offering event planners more options than ever before 36

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Impressive vistas Unobstructed skyline panoramas and sea views give these meeting and events spaces the wow factor Mövenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar This upscale beach resort will elevate your event from simple to scenic. Nestled on the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf, the resort boasts a 42-square-metre meeting room, 123-square-metre ballroom and private dining room. For accommodation there’s 36 elegantly furnished duplex villas overlooking the sea. Add to that the private lagoon beach, watersports, outdoor swimming pool and wellness centre and you’ve found yourself a location for your next incentive trip.

Contact: +966 13 8492999 / movenpick.com

Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower Not only is this all-suite luxury hotel the closest hotel to Kaaba, but it is located within the Abraj Al Bair complex, which includes a four-story shopping centre, prayer hall for up to 10,000 people, a convention centre with capacity for up to 1,5000, a museum and a lunar observatory. Aside from the unrivalled views of the Kaaba and Holy City of Makkah, there’s 3,200 square metres of adaptable function space across two floors, including a fully equipped business centre and spectacular ballroom. Contact: + 966 12 5717777 / fairmont.com/makkah

01: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre 02: Mövenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar 03: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre 04: Park Hyatt Jeddah 05: Al Faisaliah Hotel 06: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower

Park Hyatt Jeddah - Marina Club and Spa Complex As popular as it is picturesque, this fivestar resort is set amidst landscaped gardens on the Corniche in Jeddah. Boasting unrivalled views of the Red Sea and King Fahd Fountain, the hotel has its own dedicated event venue, the Lazurde Conventions and Events Centre. Sited adjacent to the property, the centre encompasses over 2,500 square metres of versatile events facilities; including an 800-square-metre ballroom, divisible into three sound-proof sections, and eight smaller rooms. Meanwhile, the outdoor Palm Courtyard can cater for al fresco receptions for up to 800 people.

Contact: +966 12 2639666 / jeddah.park.hyatt.com

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre Naturally, this landmark skyscraper is home to one of the city’s most striking venues. Dazzle guests with a welcome reception at the vertiginous Sky Bridge, an observation deck offering panoramic views across the city. Alternatively, there are an assortment of intimate meetings rooms as well as the sophisticated Conference Garden and lavish Kingdom Ballroom, which has its own private entrance and can be divided into five smaller function rooms. As you would expect from a brand like the Four Seasons the technical assistance is also world class.

Al Faisaliah Hotel Atop this iconic hotel is The Globe, Al Faisaliah Hotel’s signature restaurant and a popular spot for private dining. Elsewhere in the hotel, planners will also find 6,300 square metres of meeting space, including the largest column-free venue in Saudi Arabia. The 4,450-square-metre Prince Sultan’s Grand Hall can accommodate up to 4,000 delegates. The only dedicated luxury suites hotel in Riyadh, the Al Faisaliah Hotel is located within the world-class Al Faisaliah Complex.

Contact: +966 11 2115000 / fourseasons.com/riyadh

Contact: +966 11 2732222 / alfaisaliahhotels.com

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

Prime addresses From business districts to holy sites, these venues have utilised their unrivalled location Conrad Makkah The 438-room Conrad Makkah offers two meeting spaces for up to 100 guests as well as a business centre, executive lounge and an on-site Masjid for up to 1,000 guests. For added convenience, a business concierge is on hand to provide the necessary planning for corporate events and activities. Moreover, the hotel’s 12 elevators with direct service to the religious site enable pilgrims to seamlessly reach the Sacred Mosque during peak prayer times.

Contact: +966 12 5308777 / conradhotels3.hilton.com

Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre Home to the largest convention and exhibition event space in the Eastern Province, the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre is an exceptional option for event planners focused on locality. The centre has a capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 guests and features 14 breakout rooms, boardrooms and meeting rooms. Additional facilities include an exclusive ladies lounge.

Contact: +966 13 8345555 / sheratondammam.com 03

Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh A stone’s throw from Olaya Financial District is Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh, a luxury hotel and home to nine spacious event venues. With the option to host up to 200 guests, the state-ofthe-art meeting and conference spaces include two ballrooms, two meeting rooms and five boardrooms – all with access to pre-meeting space.

01: Conrad Makkah 02: Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre 03: Le Meridien Jeddah 04: Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh

Contact: +966 11 2946300 / narcissusriyadh.com

Le Méridien Jeddah Located in Jeddah’s business district, Le Méridien Jeddah’s facilities are as convenient as the hotel’s location. From teleconferencing and videoconferencing capabilities to a dedicated exhibition space, the hotel has earned a reputation as a leading business hotel in the city. Furthermore, it has multiple meeting spaces, including eight meeting rooms and a ballroom that spans more than 6,000 square feet. Contact: +966 12 6633333 / starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

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Modern-day appeal Leading cities offer innovative meeting venues packed with 21st century appeal Riyadh Marriott Hotel Celebrated for its stance on hotel technology, Riyadh Marriott Hotel offers planners access to the Marriott Meeting Services App, a useful tool that connects planners with Marriott’s event team before, during and after their meeting or event. Aside from leading the way among tech-savvy planners, the six-storey property boasts 39,859 square feet of meeting space, including the expansive Makarim Convention Center.

Contact: +966 11 4779300 / marriott.com

Aloft Riyadh The tech-savvy planner will feel at home at Aloft Hotels’ first property in Saudi Arabia. Within walking distance from Olaya Street’s main attractions, the 287-room Aloft Riyadh epitomises the brand’s signature contemporary style. For events and meetings, the five easy-toreconfigure tactic rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology.

Contact: +966 11 2341111 / starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels

Hotel Novotel Dammam Business Park Proving midscale hotels are as equipped for business as their five-star counterparts, Hotel Novotel Dammam Business Park has given its six high-tech meeting rooms an innovative twist. Named after capital cities around the world, such as Moscow and Madrid, the modern meeting spaces range from 56 square metres up to 128 square metres, while the in-room equipment includes videoconferencing among other things.

01: Riyadh Marriott Hotel 02: Aloft Riyadh 03: Hotel Novotel Dammam Business Park 04: Jeddah Hilton

Contact: +966 13 8458888 / accorhotels.com

Jeddah Hilton With many modern-day travellers placing greater emphasis on the sustainability and green credentials of their hotel venues, Jeddah Hilton might be the ticket for your event. Voted best conference hotel in Jeddah, this Hilton outpost has a tropical garden ideal for pre-event networking or an intimate al fresco function. The hotel also offers 40,000 square feet of meeting space, ranging from a ballroom to flexible meeting space for a small group. Contact: +966 92 0003800 / hilton.com

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

At your service The space you hire and services available should always be in-sync, as these exceptional venues demonstrate Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq A 15-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport is the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq, a palatial hotel that offers seven boardrooms and flexible meeting spaces that each come with their own meetings butler. Fully equipped with the latest digital technology and modern amenities, the meeting suites are themed around the world’s economic powerhouses. Meetings aside, and the ladies-only Spa by Clarins and male-only Hiltonia Club at the adjacent Jeddah Hilton make for a welcome break after a day in one of the hotel’s soundproofed boardrooms.

Contact: +966-92 0009565 / waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

InterContinental Al Jubail For InterContinental Al Jubail it’s all about making your event personal. For planners who book one of the hotel’s five meeting rooms, they will have access to the InterContinental Meetings Insider Collection, a carefully curated selection of delegate experiences that are rooted in the destination. From interactive off-site team-building activities to community-based projects, the idea is to make each event truly memorable.

01: Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq 02: InterContinental Al Jubail 03: Rosewood Jeddah 04: Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya

Contact: +966 13 3564000 / hg.com

Rosewood Jeddah Rosewood Jeddah has placed service at the core of its meeting facilities, which range from the Al Malaki Lounge, a private meeting venue located on the 20th floor, to the Asir Meeting Room and three majlis. Events that take place in one of the hotel’s five boardrooms come with their own dedicated meeting butler, as well as all the mod cons. Contact: rosewoodhotels.com

Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya Hilton Garden Inn in Riyadh has attempted to make planning as easy and seamless as possible with its Meetings Simplified programme, a meeting package based on a bundled pricing model and targeted towards meetings for up to 25 people. The hotel’s meetings and events facilities total 374 square metres. Contact: +966 011 2935533 / hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

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Best of the ballrooms Impress your guests with a venue that leaves a lasting impression

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Everything about the Ritz is lavish, from its landscaped gardens packed with flora and fauna to its 493 guest rooms and 99 suites. Its ballrooms are especially well appointed, and are at the heart of the property’s 62,000 square feet of conference space. Housed in a separate wing of the hotel, the two ballrooms each offer 21,000 square metres of flexible space, and can accommodate up to 2,000 people for a reception or 2,354 theatre-style. There are also a series of meeting rooms and boardrooms, and the option to hire Aubergine Restaurant for private dining. The hotel is situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to King Abdul Aziz International Convention Centre for added convenience. Contact: +966 11 8028020 / ritzcarlton.com

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski The portfolio of meeting and reception venues at this iconic hotel range from small boardrooms and break-out meeting rooms to a grand ballroom. It is the latter space that is the hotel’s trump card. With reception space for up to 2,000 guests, the ballroom at this centrally located skyscraper has garnered a reputation among planners tasked with managing large-scale events. Post-event, the hotel has a classic European spa, a barber shop, fitness centre and two separate swimming pools. Contact: +966 11 5117776 / kempinski.com

01: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh 02: InterContinental Jeddah Hotel 03: Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski

InterContinental Jeddah With nine meeting rooms and 2,884 square metres of exhibition space available, the InterContinental Jeddah is a brilliant choice for MICE organisers looking for a venue with the wow factor. A stone’s throw from Al-Balad old town and Tahlia Street shopping area, the InterContinental, sited on the Corniche overlooking the world’s tallest fountain, is home to the Assultan Ballroom, a show-stopping venue perfectly suited to conferences, seminars or theatre-style events. Moreover, the business centre is open 24 hours and the in-house meeting planners are on hand to assist. Contact: +966 12 2295555 / ihg.com

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MEET | ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Change of scene From small meetings to large conventions, the country offers a number of unique venues that can add to the buzz of any event

Nayyara, Riyadh Nayyara is a stylish and versatile venue in the Al Raid district in western Riyadh. Established in 1990, Nayyara is also one of the kingdom’s most experienced event management companies. The venue boasts two large interconnecting conference halls offering 4,000 square metres of space that is suitable for functions ranging from 200 to 2,500 people. Largely columnfree, each hall features a flexible layout that can be sectioned into two or three individual spaces and configured for a banquet, theatre, cabaret or boardroom-style floorplan. There are also two smaller rooms suitable for meetings and seminars. The extensive in-house audio-visual facilities include hydraulic stages, intelligent lighting systems, digital sound systems, a simultaneous interpreting system, video recorders and fast Wi-Fi networks. With an on-site kitchen and executive chef, catering options range from canapés and themed buffets to multi-course gourmet dinners. The dedicated conference team can assist with general event planning or offer complete end-to-end conference management, from budgeting and advertising to event registration and transport logistics. Contact: +966 14 806655 / nayyara.com

Riyadh Sports Garden, Riyadh For event planners looking to make the most of the pleasant spring and autumn weather in the Saudi capital, Riyadh Sports Garden offers a peaceful oasis just 25 minutes from the city centre. Spanning 40,000 square metres and surrounded by large trees and date palms, the gardens are part of the Riyadh Golf Courses complex but offer privacy for large-scale al fresco events or more intimate soirées. With a range of activities on offer such as tennis, mini golf, volleyball and swimming, the venue is ideal for teambuilding workshops. Flexible catering services ensures that organisers can choose menus best suited to their event, ranging from a casual buffet featuring international and traditional Arabian dishes to a sumptuous sit-down dinner. Audio-visual equipment for projections and presentations are easily accommodated and group transport can also be arranged.

glamorous backdrop and lend an exclusive air to any function. Lined with restaurants, the 200metre marina walkway is an ideal location for product launches and promotional events. Inside, there is an impressive foyer that leads to a 1,000-square-metre exhibition area with an open terrace that can be configured according to the event planner’s requirements. The spacious area has hosted seminars, trade shows, fashion events and Jeddah Art Week exhibitions. Located in the Al Hamra District near the Park Hyatt Jeddah and InterContinental Jeddah hotels, Al Furusiya Marina & Yacht Club is close to the central business district and the city’s main cultural landmarks.

Contact: +966 55 7399900 / riyadhgolfcourses.com

Al Furusiya Marina & Yacht Club, Jeddah On the Corniche overlooking the Red Sea, Al Furusiya Marina & Yacht Club offers indoor and outdoor event spaces with fabulous views to match. Yachts moored in the marina provide a

Contact: +966 12 2840792 / dcpsite.com 01: Marina & Yacht Club, Jeddah 02: Riyadh Sports Garden, Riyadh 03: Scitech, Eastern Province 04: Nayyara, Riyadh 05: The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, Eastern Province

The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, Eastern Province An initiative of Saudi Aramco, the striking new cultural centre is scheduled to open in 2016. Located in Dhahran near the Prosperity Well, a national landmark

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The Multimedia Theatre, meanwhile, features cinema-style seating for 300 and a built-in rear projection screen, making it ideal for presentations. Contact: kingabdulazizcenter.com

commemorating the spot where oil was first discovered in the kingdom in the 1930s, the venue lies within easy reach of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, just 45 kilometres away. Designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the architecture is influenced by Saudi Arabia’s geology and rock formations. At the centre of the structure is the 18-storey Knowledge Tower, flanked by smaller boulder-like buildings. The 80,000-square-metre complex houses museums, exhibits, historical archives and a library with 200,000 books. There are a number of small and largescale event spaces including the Great Hall, a vast and adaptable space that can accommodate exhibitions, conferences and banquets for around 1,000 people. The 10,000-square-metre Main Theatre is spread across three levels and seats 900 people. It includes accessible seating for those with special needs as well as a raised stage area and an orchestra pit that can accommodate 50 people.

Scitech, Eastern Province For event organisers looking to spark the imagination of their delegates, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Centre – commonly known as Scitech – is just the ticket. Located on the Corniche in Al Khobar, less than 60 kilometres from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, the centre features more than 350 fun and interactive science and technology exhibits suitable for all ages. The centre’s Science Dome features an IMAX theatre showing incredible science, nature and wildlife documentary films. The 193-seat theatre can also be used for private screenings, presentations, launches or meetings. The Astronomic Observatory can add a cosmic touch to any corporate event, while the conference hall and spacious temporary exhibitions hall can both be utilised for private functions. Scitech is affiliated with the nearby King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, which has its own conference centre featuring the latest audiovisual equipment and modern facilities. The main oval-shaped auditorium can accommodate 120 people, while four smaller meeting rooms each have a capacity of 30. Contact: +966 13 8967777 / scitech.com.sa

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ADVERTORIAL | RIYADH EXHIBITIONS COMPANY

Setting the stage The chairman of the Riyadh Exhibitions Company highlights impressive growth and future plans The numbers are impressive - over nearly four decades, the Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) has organised more than 400 international trade fairs and conferences. As part of IFP Group, the Middle East’s leading trade fair organisers, REC as secured a strong client base that includes governments as well as international companies and trade associations. With almost four decades of operations in Saudi Arabia, we have witnessed on the evolution of this industry and contributed to its development,” says REC Chairman HRH Prince Saud Abdullah Al-Faisal Bin Abdulaziz. “The National Transformation Program outlines the Government’s endeavour to transform the economy, diversify sources of income and promote the cultural image of the kingdom, accordingly we expect a very positive impact on the MICE industry, as it aims at making Saudi Arabia the main destination for conferences and exhibitions in the region by 2020.” At present, REC exhibitions cover nearly every productive sector in the Kingdom with a diversified portfolio of trade shows covering agriculture, construction, power, plastics and petrochemicals, printing and packaging, education and automotive sectors. REC works closely with government entities including the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau to boost the kingdom’s meetings proposition. “We believe that the MICE industry is able to become the key driver of the national economy and contribute significantly to the GDP. The public and private partnership model is very successful and by joining efforts the development process can go faster and can have a significant effect on the sector performance and provide further opportunities,” explains HRH. “With US$1.6 billion government investment to enhance the MICE infrastructure and develop centres and venues, and more than 7,900 event licenses issues in 2015 constituting 23 percent increase compared to last

year and more growth is forecasted for upcoming years, are all factors that work in favour of the industry proposition over the coming years. As a result of these promising predictions, The Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau is working towards organising this industry to maximise its contribution to the national GDP and promote the Kingdom’s image to an international audience; and achieve its economic, cultural and social objectives,” he adds. Delivering some of the region’s most important events, the company’s international trade fairs are designed to be dynamic platforms for foreign and local companies doing business in the Middle East. Their events are

01: Saudi Health Exhibition and Congress

We believe that the MICE industry is able to become the key driver of the national economy and contribute significantly to the GDP

also all certified by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Commenting on the evolution of the industry, HRH believes that there’s great potential for future growth. “The industry has evolved, as the openness to international markets has impacted the way things are done locally. In addition, Saudi Arabia attracts international organisers who are looking to establish themselves locally through partnerships with local companies, who in return benefit from knowledge transfer and international expertise,” he explains. Commenting on the opportunities present, HRH adds that: “Like any industry, MICE is affected by the geopolitical situation of the Kingdom and the region. The most important challenge the affects us directly is the visa issuance process, which is a main element of this industry. “The increasing number of millennial generations and the growing youth population indicates the trends that should be followed in the industry. This consumer segment is tech-savvy and companies are working to mould their services to meet their expectations and attract them.

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STAY

The ultimate guide to all the major hotels have to offer, from meeting venues and event spaces to guestrooms, restaurants and leisure facilities

01: Narcissus Hotel & Residence, Riyadh 02: Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh 03: Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar

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Al Faisaliah Hotel PO Box 4148, Riyadh 11491, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2732000 | reservations.riyadh@alfaisaliahhotels.com | alfaisaliahhotels.com

Total number of guestrooms: 330 Number of suites: 113 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Riyadh Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport , 45 kilometres Leisure highlights: Health and fitness club; 20-metre indoor pool; isotonic weight machines; sauna; steam room; rain showers; state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment; relaxation area; cold plunge pool; and massage facilities; Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA, luxurious ladies only spa; A tranquil oasis in which to relax, socialise and enjoy worldclass treatments and services. F&B facilities: • The Globe (modern European cuisine) • La Cucina (contemporary Italian cuisine) • All Day Dining Restaurant with seven live cooking stations debuting 2017

why this hotel?

Meeting rooms

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Majlis 1/2/3

76.8 2.9 45 35 40 - 27 22 18

Al Baha

49.7 2.5 30 25 30 - 18 16 13

Tabuk

53.3 2.5 - - - - - - 15

Jouf

53.3 2.5 - - - - - - 15

Abha

42.6 2.5 - - - - - - 8

Al Omsiat Ballroom

1,424 5 750 - 550 -

- -

Prince Sultan’s Grand Hall A & B

4,446 4.2-7.8 4500 4,000 3,150

900

201

138

Al Faisaliah Hotel is an elegant property with spacious accomodation and 24-hour butler service. Guests can enjoy technologically advanced in-room communications systems and unwind in the state-of-the-art health club and ladies’ spa. Riyadh’s top attractions are easily accessible thanks to the hotel’s central location. The property encompasses Al Faisaliah’s Conference and Banquet Center, which is home to Prince Sultan’s Grand Hall - the largest column - free public space in the kingdom with capacity for 4,000 delegates conference-style and 2,800 for banquets.

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STAY | HOTEL VENUES

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Doubletree by Hilton Riyadh - Al Muroj Business Gate PO Box 47117, Northern Ring Road, Al Wadi Riyadh, 11552, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 5285100 | ruham_salesadm@hilton.com | riyadhalmuroj.doubletree.com

Total number of guestrooms: 175 Number of suites: 48 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Al Wadi Ar Riyadh Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport , 15 kilometres Leisure highlights: Modern Riyadh hotel near the King Abdullah Financial District & Fully Furnished fitness facilities. F&B facilities: • Open Restaurant (Multicuisine) • Maiya Lounge (Coffee Lounge)

WHY THIS HOTEL?

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

Boardroom

374

Diwaneya 1

408

U-Shape

Boardroom

Diwaneya 2

408

Al Hokair 1

704

Al Hokair 2

704

Nigma 1

400

Nigma 2

400

Diwaneya 1 & 2

816

Al Hokair 1 & 2

1408

130

128

Nigma 1 & 2

800

Adjacent to the developing King Abdullah Financial District, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Riyadh - Al Muroj Business Gate is set on the Northern Ring Road with easy access to major business areas in Riyadh. King Khalid International Airport is only 15 minutes away from this hotel in Riyadh while the City Center and the Diplomatic Quarter are just 20 minutes away. Stylish and spacious, the air-conditioned guest rooms offer modern amenities to help you relax and stay productive. In this hotel in Riyadh, sleep soundly in the plush Suite Dreams® by DoubleTree by Hilton bed. Stay connected throughout your stay with complimentary WiFi from your smart devices or through the in-room HDTV. Upgrade to a stylish suite for additional space, upgraded amenities and stunning views of the city and park.

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A warm welcome awaits you

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Riyadh Al Muroj is a stylish business Hotel, located within easy access to all the local centres in Riyadh. From a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, to kind, thoughtful service, a stay with us is unlike any other. DoubleTree by Hilton. Where the little things mean everything.™ To learn more about DoubleTree By Hilton Riyadh Al Muroj scan the QR Code with your mobile phone.

Northern Ring Road, Riyadh, 11552 T 011 5285100 F 011 4943049 DoubleTree.com Hilton HHonors™ membership, earning of Points & Miles™ and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2015 Hilton Worldwide

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Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya PO Box 15553, Olaya Main Street, Riyadh 11454, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2935533 | ruhro-salesadm@hilton.com | riyadholaya.hgi.com

Total number of guestrooms: 152 Number of suites: 28 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Riyadh-Olaya Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport , 30 kilometres Leisure highlights: The Hilton Garden Inn features complimentary wi-fi and 24 hours Business Centre & complimentary fitness centre providing everything you need to make your stay successful. F&B facilities: • Garden Grill (Multicuisine) • Garden Cafe (Coffee Lounge) • Pavilion Pantry

why this hotel?

Meeting rooms Safa

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

76.8 3.3 70 70 60

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

- 50 27 -

Olaya

77.7 3.3 70 70 60 - 50 27 -

Sahara

76.8 3.3 70 70 60

- 50 27 -

Safa, Olaya & Sahara

232 3.3 200 220 130

- 145 67 -

Situated on the main street of the Olaya business district, this hotel is with base in walking distance of corporate offices. With every welldecorated guest room and suite comes access to a variety of amenities, including pool and recreation area, fitness room, business centre and complimentary internet. For guests interested in hosting an event in Riyadh, the hotel offers a diverse selection of spaces and banquet menus for weddings, conferences and business meetings. Try the speciality coffee at Meydan Lounge, or the delicate Middle Eastern flavours in the popular buffetstyle dishes at Oasis Grill.

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ALL THE EXTRAS WITHOUT PAYING EXTRA. With our complimentary Wi-Fi, Self Laundry, Fitness Center and Business Center. Hilton Garden Inn gives you all the amenities you know and love, at a price you’ll love even more … FREE.

Riyadh Olaya Olaya Main Street, Riyadh. Olaya, 11454 Saudi Arabia. Phone: 0112935533 Emal: Ruhro-salesadm@hilton.com RiyadhOlaya.HGI.com

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Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya PO Box 10341, Riyadh 11433, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2881234 | riyadh.regency@hyatt.com | riyadholaya.regency.hyatt.com

Total number of guestrooms: 261 Number of suites: 35 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Al Olaya Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport , 34 kilometres Leisure highlights: Pool, Sokoun Spa, multipurpose sports court featuring tennis & basketball court F&B facilities: • 56th Avenue Diner Traditional American Food (lively atmosphere with open kitchen style) • Azure - Aegean Cuisine (Greece & Turkey)

Meeting rooms

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Loulou’a Ballroom

419 4.5

Al Loulou’a 1

138 4.5 - 160 80 120 70 50 50

Al Loulou’a 2

138 4.5 - 160 80 120 70 50 50

Al Loulou’a 3

138 4.5 - 160 80 120 70 50 50

Al Loulou’a 1&2

278 4.5 - 340 180 240 164 70 60

Al Loulou’a 2&3

278 4.5 - 340 180 240 164 70 60

- 530 270 400 244 92 80

Al Fayrouz

321 3.2 - 388 180 260 192 62 50

Al Fayrouz 1

159 3.2 - 196 90 120 84 56 58

Al Fayrouz 2

159 3.2 - 196 90 120 84 56 58

Al Mass

155 3.2 - 142 80 80 64 48 48

Al Mass 1

77 3.2 - 62 40 40 30 24 24

Al Mass 2

77 3.2 - 62 40 40 30 24 24

Al Marjan Boardroom

72 3.2 - - - - - - 12

Al Zumurrud Boardroom

23 3 - - - - - - 8

why this hotel? Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya is ideally situated downtown in Olaya Street, a prime location for business and pleasure. Hotel features 261 guestrooms including 40 suites, 1,000sqm of meeting space, two restaurants – Azure/ 56th Avenue Diner – and Sokoun Spa and Fitness Centre.

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Narcissus Hotel & Residence, Riyadh PO Box 75, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdelaziz St. & Olaya St., Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2946300 | info@narcissusriyadh.com | narcissusriyadh.com

Total number of guestrooms: 280 Number of suites: 106 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Riyadh – Tahlia Street Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport , 35 kilometres Leisure highlights: Unique location, surrounded by shopping area, Spa Suites; Luxurious Limo serice; Rolls Royce cars & BMW 740; Free Wifi in all guest rooms and hotel facilities; Free usage of the Spa facilities: Jacuzzi, sauna room, steam room; Squash Court; Separate GYM for male and female; Business Centre with all facilities. F&B facilities: • Where East Meets West Restaurant (All Day Dining - Buffet breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) • The Cove - Seafood Restaurant (Ala Carte) - Dinner • Pampa Grill - Steak House (Set menu) - Dinner • Magnolia Lounge - Cafe (Open 24 hours) • Luxurious outside catering service

why this hotel?

Meeting rooms

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Rimal

293 3.84 300 180 120 250 90 45 -

Al Badia

260 3.53 300 -

Al Murjan 1

159 4.25 100 80 60 80 50 30 24

Al Murjan 2

178 3.77 100 80 60 80 50 30 24

- 200 -

Al Rihab

56 3.97 - 25 20 -

Al Fairouz 1

30 3.5 - 15 - - - 15 12

Al Fairouz 2

30 3.5 - 15 - - - 15 12

- 20 20

Unique location in the heart of the capital Riyadh, at the junction of Tahlia Street and Olaya Street. The hotel has a distinctive exterior design inspired by European palaces and interior design with marbles chandeliers. With an indulgent Narci-Spa for male and females to revitalise and rejuvenate body and soul. Try the outdoor Argentinian restaurant ‘Pampa Grill’ located in the top roof.

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah PO Box 8483, Madinah Road, Jeddah 21482, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6521234 | reservations.jeddah@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/hotel-jeddah

Total number of guestrooms: 292 Number of suites: 35 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Jeddah Distance to airport: King Abdulaziz International Airport, 15 minutes away Leisure highlights: The hotel features speciality and themed restaurants, full-service business centres as well as close proximity to central business districts, an executive lounge with ample meeting spaces and premium fitness club facilities. F&B facilities: • Al Diwan Restaurant (International buffet) • Hokkaido Restaurant (Japanese) • Lobby Lounge Café

Meeting rooms Al Dewaneyah

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Majilis

114 2.7 35 50 35 35 30 30 20

Al Nadhwah

109 2.7 35 50 35 35 30 30 20

Al Mubarakiah

97 2.7 35 50 35 35 30 30 20

Al Sawary

86 2.7 30 35 25 30 25 25 15

Al Jawhara

86 2.7 30 35 25 30 25 25 15

Al Jawhara / Al Sawary

172 2.7 60-80

Al Malaz

670

250

why this hotel? Theatre

27 2.7 - - - - - - 10-12

3.51

80-100 80-100 300

220

60-80

50-60

40-50

250 80-100 60-80

35-40 60

Strategically situated at the heart of the city’s thriving business district, Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah, offers a fantastic range of facilities and services ideally suited for various groups and can host customised meetings and events for every occasion.

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Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh PO Box 18006, King Abdul Aziz Street, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4791234 | reservations.riyadh@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/en/hotel-riyadh

Total number of guestrooms: 294 Number of suites: 45 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Riyadh Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport, 40 kilometres Leisure highlights: The hotel’s health club features a fullyequipped gym with cardio equipment and a temperaturecontrolled swimming pool. The health club also has a sauna, hot tub and massage facilities available. F&B facilities: • Shogun (Japanese) • Olivio’s Restaurant (Italian) • Brasserie on Four (International buffet) • Café Vienna (lobby café)

Meeting rooms

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Amal

76.2 3 40 30 42 30 30

Aziziah 1&2

151.8 3 90 70 72 30 30

Aziziah I

75.6 3 40 30 24 15 15

Aziziah II

75.6 3 40 30 24 15 15

Hessah

50.1 3 18 12 18 10 10

Aliah

51.1 3 30 18 24 15 15

Badriah 1&2

110.2 3 70 40 50 30 30

Lounge

76.2 3 40 35 42 24 24

Habiba

50.1 3 30 18 24 15 15

Library

50.1 3 30 18 24 15 15

Mubarakiah

600 7.3 500 350 250 70 70

Boardroom I

50.1 3 20 12 18 10 10

Boardroom II

50.1 3 20 12 18 10 10

Boardroom III

50.1 3 20 12 18 10 10

why this hotel? Stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh, located in the heart of the city. As the prime accommodation choice in Saudi Arabia’s capital, choose from 294 rooms and suites that boast designer elements and elegant décor. Amenities include free Internet access, four restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool as well as an exquisite range of meeting facilities and function spaces.

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B LU E VENTS FROM 10 TO 500 GUESTS, PERFECT FOR EITHER PERSONAL OR BUSINESS PURPOSES, THE BALLROOM, PRIVATE DINING SPACE AND 14 MEETING ROOMS. STATE-OF-THE-ART AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT, FREE HIGH-SPEED, WIRELESS INTERNET, AND AMPLE PARKING SPACE

E XC EP T I O N A L VENU

Al Mubarakiah Plaza, King Abdul Aziz Street , 11415 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia T: +966 11 479 1234 reservations.riyadh@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-riyadh

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AL MUBARAKIAH BALLROOM

RADISSON BLU HOTEL

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Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel Jeddah PO Box 11718, Jeddah 21463, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 2630000 | mahmoud.ammar@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/royalhotel-jeddah

Total number of guestrooms: 83 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Jeddah Distance to airport: King Abdulaziz International Airport, 10 kilometres Leisure highlights: Health club facilities include a gym, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room with massage services available. The hotel a short walk away from Tahaliya Road and Jeddah the international market. F&B facilities: All-day restaurant Al Iwan offers fantastic breakfast and lunch buffets. The restaurant also hosts some of the most popular themed dinners in Jeddah.

Meeting rooms Al Yasmin

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

why this hotel? Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

76.7 2.3 50 50 30 50 20 30 20

Pearl

62.7 2.59 30 30 20 20 12

Al Waha

115.4 2.59 70 74 40 50 60 30 30

Al Diwan

110.8 2.61 70 80 40 40 60 30 30

Al Hayath

73.2 2.61 50 40 20 20 18 20 16

Al Narjes

25.5 25.5 - - - - 8 - 12

Al Diwan/Al Hayath

186.3 2.61 150 150 60 60 80 50 52

Al Dana

5,851 2.59 30 30 20

With five-star hospitality and premium facilities, every guest at Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel Jeddah will feel right at home. The hotel is also ideally located in the heart of the city, just 20 kilometres from the international airport (north terminal)

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Yanbu PO Box 300, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Road, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 14 3223888 | reservations.yanbu@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/en/hotel-yanbu

Total number of guestrooms: 167 Number of suites: 14 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Yanbu Distance to airport: King Khalid International Airport, 13 kilometres Leisure highlights: Ideally located next to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading business and leisure attractions, Radisson Blu Hotel, Yanbu offers vast gardens where you can sit and relax. F&B facilities: Enjoy the authentic taste of local and international cuisines at La Brasserie Restaurant. The all day dining La Brasserie is located at lobby level and is elegantly laid out, with a total capacity of 100 people. The relaxing Patio Terrace is ideal for taking time to enjoy our alfresco theme nights.

why this hotel?

Meeting rooms

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Mubarakiah

105 250 40 70 64 36 45 30 35

Umlouj

59 245 15 35 24 18 25 18 20

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Yanbu is just minutes from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial and industrial districts. This property also offers the best value for business and leisure travellers. In Yanbu, guests get more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

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Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar PO Box 2408, Al Rawabi District King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Road, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8100800 | info.alkhobar@rezidorparkinn.com | parkinn.com/hotel-alkhobar

Total number of guestrooms: 148 Number of suites: 14 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Al Khobar Distance to airport: King Fahad International Airport, 45 kilometres Leisure highlights: Fitness Inn Health Club with a sauna, Jacuzzi, spa, indoor pool and gym. F&B facilities: • Palms Restaurant (International and regional cuisines) • Room Service (International & Mediterranean) • Patio Lounge ( à la carte menu, hot & cold drinks)

Meeting rooms

why this hotel? Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m) Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Diwan

51.2 3.18 30 50 32 50 18 15 20

Al Khaleej

55.8 3.18 30 50 32 50 18 15

Al Fanar

38.7 3.18 25 30 24 25 15 10 15

Meeting Room 1+2

214 3.18 60 100 64 100 36 30 40

Meeting Room 2+3

190.5 3.18 55 80 56

Meeting Room 1+2+3

437.6 3.18 85 130 88 125 51

Dalal Ballroom Al Salheya Boardroom

75 33

40 55

334 3.18 300 200 200 200 120 50 75 28 2.55 - - - - - - 10

Al Rawabi

58.5 2.55 40 50 40 40 18 18 25

Al Sharqiyah

58.5 2.55 40 50 40 40 18 18 25

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s business and commercial district. It offers guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere for maximum comfort. Whether on business or on holiday, guests will find the excellent service, modern and easy to use conference facilities, great food and bright, spacious rooms signature highlights.

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ABHA

Abha InterContinental Hotel

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | listings

HHHHH

PO Box 1447, Abha 08, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 17 2247777 | ahbha.hotel@ichotelsgroup.com | ihg.com

AL JUBAIL

AL AHSA

C 45 130 20 Y Y Y 1,590 8 560 Y Y - Y - Y 4 - Y Y N Y

Al Ahsa InterContinental Hotel

HHHHH

PO Box 5399, Al Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 5335555 | alahsa@ihg.com | ihg.com C 160 166 20 Y

Y Y - Y - Y 5 - Y Y N Y Y Y 2,106 10 2,900

InterContinental Al Jubail

HHHHH

PO Box 10167, Tareeq 101, Al Jubail 31961, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 3564000 | hotel@icjubail.com.sa | ihg.com C 95 255 63 Y Y Y 480 5 450 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y Y Y

Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel

HHHHH

PO Box 1235, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8575455 | info@carltonalmoaibedhotel.com | carltonalmoaibedhotel.com C 65 207 48 Y Y Y 1,392 10 1,100 Y Y - Y Y Y 8 - Y Y N Y

Le Meridien Al Khobar

HHHHH

PO Box 1266, Al Khobar 31952, Corniche Boulevard, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8969000 | reservation.alkhobar@lemeridien.com | lemeridienalkhobar.com C 40 333 29 N Y Y 493 14 450 Y Y - Y Y Y 2 1 Y Y Y Y

AL KHOBAR

Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar

HHHHH

PO Box 4923, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8984999 | hotel.alkhobar@moevenpick.com | moevenpick-alkhobar.com Y Y - Y Y Y 4 - Y Y N Y C 60 121 22 Y Y Y 1,600 10 1,200

Movenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar

HHHHH

PO Box 4784, Al Khobar 31952 , Half Moon bay Road, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8492999 | resort.alkhobar@moevenpick.com | moevenpick-alkhobar-beach.com R/C 55 36 - Y Y Y 123 3 120 Y Y - Y Y N 2 - Y Y Y Y

Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar

HHHH

PO Box 2408, Al Rawabi District King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Road Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8100800 | info.alkhobar@rezidorparkinn.com | parkinn.com/hotel-al-khobar (See advertisement on page 65) C 45 148 14 Y Y Y 624 7 200 Y Y - Y N Y 1 1 Y Y N Y

Ramada Gulf Hotel

HHHH

PO Box 79016, King Abdullah Street, Al Khobar, 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8991010 | reservation@ramadagulf.com | ramadagulf.com C 35 136 46 Y Y Y 70 2 150 Y Y - Y - Y 1 1 Y N N Y

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Ramada Hotel Al Qassim

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

AL QASSIM

Location: resort/city

AL KHOBAR

Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche

HHHHH

PO Box 70300, South Corniche Road, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8817000 | H5988@sofitel.com | sofitel.com/5988 C 52 229 - Y Y Y 630 9 250 Y - - N Y Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

PO Box 210, Al Bukayriah, Al Qassim 51941, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 16 3366666 | info@ramadaalqassim.com | ramadaalqassim.com 1 450 Y Y - Y - Y 1 - Y Y N Y C 15 69 49 Y Y Y 2,000

HHHH

Golden Tulip Al Hamra Hotel

DAMMAM

PO Box 1411, King Khaled Street, Dammam 31431, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8333444 | info@goldentulipalhamra.com | goldentulipalhamra.com C 42 148 18 Y Y Y 215 5 200 Y Y - Y Y Y 2 1 N Y N Y

HHHHH

Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers PO Box 5397, Dammam 31422, 1st Street, Convention Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 8345555 | dammam@sheraton.com | sheratondammam.com

Hafr Al BATIN

C 40 274 44 Y Y Y 1,510 14 3,000 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

HHHH

Ramada Hafr Al BATIN PO Box 553, King Abdel Aziz Street, the Commerical Market, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 13 7222000 | shalaby_hossam@ramadahafralbatin.com | ramadahafralbatin.com

C 25 150 40 Y Y Y 1,200 7 655 Y - - Y - Y 1 - N Y N Y

HHHHH

Crowne Plaza Hotel jeddah PO Box 10924, Al Corniche, Al Maadi Road, Jeddah 21443, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6611000 | info.cpjeddah@ihg.com | crowneplaza.com/jeddahsa

C 30 323 95 Y Y Y 1,200 9 110 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 N Y N Y

HHHHH

InterContinental Jeddah Hotel

JEDDAH

PO Box 41855, Al Hamra Corniche, Jeddah 21531, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 2295555 | intercontinental.jeddah@ihg.com | ihg.com/jeddah C 35 300 37 Y Y Y 884 9 1,000 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

Jeddah Hilton PO Box 128428, North Corniche Road, Jeddah 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 92 0003800 | reservations.jeddah@hilton.com | hilton.com C 15 388 33 Y Y Y 5,137 11 3,500 Y Y 1,000 Y

Y Y

Jeddah Marriott Hotel

Y Y N Y

HHH

PO Box 6448, Palestine Road Corner, PR Fahad Street, Jeddah 21442, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6714000 | res.jeddah@marriott.com | jeddahmarriott.com C 25 210 54 Y Y Y 1,722 11 300 Y Y - Y - Y 1 1 Y Y N Y

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Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | listings

HHHHH

Le Meridien Jeddah PO Box 11633, Medinah Road Corner Tahlia Street, Jeddah 21463, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6633333 | sales.lmjeddah@meridien.com | lemeridien.com/Jeddah

C 20 263 30 Y Y Y 570 8 500 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 - Y Y N Y

Makarim Annakheel Hotel & resort

HHHHH

PO Box 23526, North Obhur, Jeddah, 21436, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6562101 | reservation.nakheel@makarem.sa | makarem.sa C 15 43 112 Y N Y - 5 100 Y Y - Y Y Y 2 - Y Y Y Y

Park Hyatt Jeddah Marina, Club and Spa

HHHHH

PO Box 5863, Jeddah 21432, Al Hamra District, Southern Corniche, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 2639666 | jeddah.park@hyatt.com | jeddah.park.hyatt.com

JEDDAH

C 30 142 15 Y Y Y 756 7 800 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 - Y Y Y Y

Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah PO Box 8483, Madinah Road, Jeddah 21482, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6521234 | reservations.jeddah@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/hotel-jeddah

HHHH (see advertisement on page 57)

C 15 292 35 Y Y Y 1189 7 220 Y N - Y Y Y 2 1 N Y N Y

Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel Jeddah PO Box 11718, Jeddah 21463, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 2630000 | mahmoud.ammar@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/royalhotel-jeddah

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 61)

C 10 83 - Y Y Y 186 7 150 Y Y - Y Y Y 1 1 N Y N Y

HHH

Red Sea Palace Hotel PO Box 824, King Abdulaziz Street, Jeddah 21421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6428555 | info@redseapalace.com | redseapalace.com C 25 269 17 Y N Y - 4 175 Y - - - - Y

2 - N Y N Y

HHHHH

Sheraton Jeddah Hotel PO Box 14315 North Corniche Jeddah 21424, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 6992212 | reservations@sheraton.com | sheratonjeddah.com

R/C 20 149 12 Y Y Y 760 7 300 Y Y - Y - N 2 - Y Y N Y

Al Shohada Hotel AKMC

HHHHH

MAKKAH

PO Box 10056, Ajyad Street, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5744401 | reservations@alshohada-akmc.com | alshohadahotel-akmc.com C 90 494 50 Y Y Y 1,854 2 1,230 Y Y - Y - Y 2 - Y N N N

INTERNATIONAL DAR AL TAWHID MAKKAH

HHHHH

PO Box 2728, Ibrahim Al Khalil Road, Makkah, 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5295000 | intercontinental.daraltawhid@ihg.com | ihg.com C 100 282 143 Y Y Y 40 1 12 Y - - - - Y 1 - Y Y N Y

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Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

Business Centre (Y/N)

HHHHH

Makarim Ajyad Makkah Hotel PO Box 6020, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5720500 | reservations.aiyad@makarem.sa | makarem.sa

C 45 411 12 Y Y Y 650 2 70 Y Y - Y - Y 3 - N N N N

HHHHH

Makarim Umm Alqura Hotel

MAKKAH

PO Box 7020, Al Rawabi, Ajyad Street. Makkah 24234, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5356100 | reservation.ummalqura@makarem.sa | makarem-umm-alqura-hotel.com C 75 312 24 Y Y Y - 5 250 Y - - - - Y 1 - N N N N

Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel

HHHHH

PO Box 762, King Abdul Aziz Endowment, Abraj Al Bait Complex, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5717777 | makkah@fairmont.com | fairmont.com/makkah C 80 1,618 138 Y

Y 2,400 8 1,800 Y Y - Y - Y 10 - N N N Y

HHHHH

Raffles Makkah Palace PO Box 1281, King Abdul Aziz Endowment, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 5717888 | makkah@raffles.com | raffles.com/makkah

C 80 214 214 - Y Y 61 5 80 Y Y - Y - Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

Al Faisaliah Hotel PO Box 4148, King Fahad Road, Riyadh, 11491, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 112732000 | reservations.riyadh@ralfaisaliahhotels.com | alfaisaliahhotels.com C 45 330 113 Y

(See advertisement on page 47)

Y Y - Y - Y 4 - Y Y N Y Y Y 4,446 9 4,000

HHHHH

Aloft Riyadh PO Box 2385 Olaya St., Riyadh 12611-9242, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2341111 | malek.fakhro@alofthotels.com | alofthotels.com

C 44 287 16 Y Y Y 160 5 270 Y Y - - Y 3 1 1 N Y N Y

RIYADH

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski

HHHHH

PO Box 13315, King Fahad Road 7647, Al Sahafa District, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 5117777 | burjrafal.hotel@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/burj-rafal-hotel C 15 237 112 Y Y Y

Y Y - Y N Y 3 4 Y Y N Y - 19 2,000

CORP INN EXECUTIVE HOTEL, DEIRA RIYADH

HHHHH

PO Box 4523, Riyadh 11412, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4141500 | info@corpinndeira.com | corpinndeira.com C 40 120 40 Y Y Y 282 5 230 N Y - Y - Y 1 - Y Y N Y

Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

HHHH

Al-Sahmi Street, Al-Hada District, Riyadh 64819, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2817300 | cy.ruhab.ays@marriott.com | courtyardriyadhdiplomaticquarter.com C 40 286 9 Y Y Y 680 8 170 Y - - - - Y 1 - Y Y N Y

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Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

HHHH

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON RIYADH - AL MUROJ BUSINESS GATE PO Box 47117, Northern Ring Rd. Al Wadi Ar Riyadh 11552, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 5285100 | ruham_salesadm@hilton.com | riyadhalmuroj.doubletree.com

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | listings

(see advertisement on page 49)

C 15 175 48 Y Y Y 3471 7 1,408 Y No - Y N Y 1 1 N N N Y

HHHHH

Four Points by Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia PO Box 817, Al Imam Faisal bin Turki Street (Al Khanzzan), Riyadh, 11421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2682222 | info.fpkhaldia@fourpoints.com | fourpointsriyadhkhaldia.com

C 45 367 138 Y Y Y 1,929 19 500 Y Y - - - Y 2 - Y N N Y

Four Seasons Hotel

HHHHH

Kingdom Centre, PO Box 231000, Riyadh 11321, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2115000 | hana.chatila@fourseasons.com | fourseasons.com Y Y - Y Y Y 3 - Y Y N Y C 50 274 37 Y Y Y 4,200 5 3,000

Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya PO Box 11553, Olaya Main Street Riyadh 11454, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2935533 | ruhro-salesadm@hilton.com | riyadholaya.hgi.com

HHH (see advertisement on page 51)

C 30 152 28 Y Y Y 374 5 232 Y N - Y N Y 1 1 N N N N

RIYADH

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya PO Box 10341, Riyadh 11433, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2881234 | riyadh.regency@hyatt.com | riyadholaya.regency.hyatt.com

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 53)

C 34 261 40 Y Y Y 1000 8 530 Y Y Y Y Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

InterContinental Riyadh

HHHHH

PO Box 3636 King Saud Road Riyadh 114811, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4655000 | intercontinental.riyadh@ihg.com | ihg.com Y Y - Y - Y 2 1 N Y N Y C 30 274 61 Y Y Y 1,200 13 1,500

MakarEm Riyadh Hotel

HHHHH

PO Box 12120, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh 13443, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2204500 | reservation.riyadh@makarem | makaremriyadh.com C 3 224 24 Y Y N 750 6 750 Y Y - Y - Y 2 - Y Y N Y

Narcissus Hotel & Residence, Riyadh PO Box 75, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdelaziz St. & Olaya St. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2946300 | info@narcissusriyadh.com | narcissusriyadh.com

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 55)

C 35 280 106 Y Y Y 1005 6 120 Yes N - Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

NOVOTEL RIYADH AL ANOUD

HHHHH

PO Box 2370, 9033, King Fahd Road Tower 2, Olaya Riyadh 12214, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 2882323 | h6532-re@accor.com | novotel.com C 25 166 21 Y Y Y 465 6 400 Y Y - Y Y Y 2 - Y Y N Y

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PO Box 18006, King Abdul Aziz Street, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4791234 | reservations.riyadh@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/en/hotel-riyadh

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂ&#x17D;s

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

Radisson BLU hotel Riyadh

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 59)

C 40 294 45 Y Y Y 600 14 500 Y N - Y Y Y 3 1 N Y N Y

Riyadh Marriott Hotel

HHHHH

PO Box 16294, King Saud Road, Al Wazarat District, Riyadh 11464, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4779300 | riyadh@marriotthotels.com | riyadhmarriott.com C 40 418 26 Y Y Y 454 20 300 Y Y - Y - Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

Riyadh Palace Hotel

HHHHH

RIYADH

PO Box 2691, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4054444 | info@riyadhpalacehotel.com | riyadhpalacehotel.com C 35 304 37 Y

Y N Y 1 - N Y N Y Y N 387 6 350 Y Y 2,000

Rosh Rayhaan Riyadh

HHHHH

PO Box 9295 Al Olaya St., Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4479888 | rotana.com C 20 236 - Y Y Y 275 9 360 Y Y - Y Y Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers

HHHHH

PO Box 90807, King Fahad Road, Riyadh 11623, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 4543300 | reservation.riyadh@sheraton.com | sheratonriyadh.com C 35 193 14 Y Y Y 420 6 600 Y Y - Y - Y 2 - N Y N Y

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

HHHHH

PO Box 13048, Al-Hada Area, Mekkah Road, Riyadh 11493, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 11 8028020 | rc.ruhrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com | ritzcarlton.com/riyadh C 50 493 99 Y Y Y 6,730 15 2,354 Y N - Y Y Y 3 2 Y Y N Y

InterContinental Taif Hotel

HHHHH

Taif

P.O. Box 827, Airport Road, Taif, 21944, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 7505050 | intercontinental.taif@ihg.com | ihg.com C 14 179 35 Y Y Y 1,683 6 800 Y Y - Y Y Y 2 - Y Y N Y

Ramada Al Hada Hotel & Suites

HHHHH

Telefrique Station Ring Road, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 12 7545558 | hada_gm@ramadamh.com | ramada.com C 16 183 59 Y Y Y 304 8 370 Y Y - Y - Y 2 - N Y N Y

YANBU

radisson blu hotel, yanbu

HHH

(see advertisement on page 63) PO Box 300, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +966 14 3223888 | reservtion.yanbu@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/en/hotel-yanbu 1,000 y y y 1 2 y y y y C 13 167 14 y y y 105 2 70 y y

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PLAY | DINING

Food for thought Nothing stimulates conversation at an event quite like good food. Through the universal language of great cuisine, the country’s young but flourishing culinary scene will add flavour to your next event

While Arabic cuisine still dominates in Saudi Arabia – good news for visitors who are keen to sample local dishes during their stay – globalisation and the growth in foreign business travellers have seen a shift towards more international flavours. In Riyadh, the luxury hotel landscape has inspired a modern dining scene with global cuisines served in sumptuous surrounds. In cities such as Riyadh and Makkah, religious tourism is also bringing change, attracting visitors from all over the world to the kingdom and resulting in increasingly multicultural food offerings. With Saudi Arabia expected to have a steady stream of new hotel openings over the next five years, hotel operators and restaurateurs are investing in more varied food and beverage offerings, which will only add to the kingdom’s appeal within the MICE sector. In addition, many hospitality providers offer flexible solutions for event planners, from exclusive hire of a finedining restaurant and bespoke menus to off-site catering and tailor-made dining experiences. Here are some of the kingdom’s culinary highlights that await event planners and business groups.

RIYADH SKY HIGH VIEWS The Globe Location: Al Faisaliah Hotel Cuisine: Modern European Encapsulated in a stunning three-storey dome that tops Al Faisaliah Tower, The

Globe offers peerless panoramic views of Riyadh. A visit to the 240-metre-high public observation gallery one floor below is the perfect prelude to dinner.

BEST WORKING MEALS Acacia by Pierre Gagnaire Location: Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh Cuisine: French Located in the heart of the business district, Acacia is the three-Michelin star chef’s first foray into the kingdom. With his molecular mastery evident in menu and service, this is a top spot to bring important clients.

Contact: +966 12 732222 / alfaisaliahhotels.com

Spazio Location: Kingdom Tower Cuisine: Modern European Located on the 77th floor of the city’s third tallest tower, Spazio combines fine dining with sweeping city views. The private dining room can seat 12, and there is a daily business buffet lunch available (excluding Fridays).

Contact: +966 11 4579999 / movenpick.com

Maharaja East by Vineet Location: Al Olaya district Cuisine: Indian Housed in a sleek, three-storey building Tahlia Road, this is three time Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia’s second fine-dining restaurant in Saudi Arabia. The private dining rooms and boardroom make it an excellent choice for a working lunch or dinner.

Contact: +966 12111888 / spazio77.com

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS Nobu Location: Nobu Hotel Riyadh Cuisine: Japanese fusion Guests can enjoy the world-famous cuisine of celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa in one of two private dining rooms. The main restaurant is also good for groups, with several group-seating areas available for exclusive hire for events.

Contact: +966 11 4641111 / maharajaeast.com

SPACIOUS SETTINGS

Contact: +966 1 12032705 / nobuhotelriyadh.com

Nozomi Location: Sulaimaniya District Cuisine: Japanese This upmarket restaurant has three private dining rooms: Kaigi has a capacity of up to 20 guests; Kaizen seats 20-30; and Fun’iki for up to 50 people. All three rooms can be opened up into one large room with a capacity of 100 guests. Contact: +966 11 4152213 / nozomisaudi.com

01 & 04: The Globe, Al Faisaliah Hotel 02: Byblos, Al Hamra Street 03: Lusin, Al Olaya district

The Grill Location: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre Cuisine: Meat and seafood grills With indoor seating for 92 (including 12 in majlis-style seating) and outdoor seating for 90 on the pool deck, this contemporary restaurant is ideal for group functions. There is also a three-course express business lunch menu, served within 45 minutes. Contact: +966 11 2115500 / fourseasons.com

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PLAY | DINING

Elements Location: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre Cuisine: International Featuring a buffet with live cooking stations and à la carte cuisine from China, Japan, India and the Middle East, Elements can easily serve large parties up to 156. There is also a private dining room that can accommodate up to 24 diners. Contact: +966 11 2115500 / fourseasons.com

Flavours of the world With Riyadh’s dining scene becoming more global, here are five more hotspots to consider… Best for… ARGENTINEAN Pampa Grill Narcissus Hotel & Residences Riyadh This South American hotspot boasts a rooftop terrace and a set menu of grilled meats served at your table. Contact: +966 11 2946300 / narcissusriyadh.com

Best for… CHINESE Hong The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh With seating for 60 diners and striking décor, this fine-dining restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Chinese cuisine. Contact: +966 11 802833 / ritzcarlton.com

Best for… ITALIAN Rosso Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center Rosso has à la carte and ‘family-style’ sharing menus for small groups, served in the 142-seat restaurant or an 18-seat private dining room.

REGIONAL FLAVOURS

EASTERN PROVINCE BEST WORKING MEALS Asahi Location: Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers Cuisine: Pan-Asian Dishing up Japanese and Chinese specialties, this stylish restaurant has a private dining area for business groups. The teppanyaki area – where chefs cook in front of diners with theatrical flair – makes for an entertaining experience. Contact: +966 13 8345555 / sheratondammam.com

Najd Village Restaurant Location: Takhassoussi Road and Abu Bakr Road Cuisine: Saudi Arabian Housed in a Najdi-style mud house, this local favourite offers a great introduction to traditional Saudi cuisine. Visitors can dine sitting on cushions on the floor in tent-like rooms or private majlis and feast on local specialities. Contact: +966 11 2250034 / munajem.com/najd-village

Da Vinci Location: Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers Cuisine: Italian Da Vinci’s elegant dining room is conducive to business meetings, while the authentic Italian cuisine is presented with panache. Open for lunch and dinner, the extensive menu includes freshly made pasta and locally caught fish. Contact: +966 13 8345555 / sheratondammam.com

Location: Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Cuisine: Turkish This fine-dining restaurant serves authentic Ottoman cuisine in an elegant dining room that seats up to 96 guests. Mezze sharing platters are ideal for groups, while the extensive menu features signature meat and seafood dishes. Contact: +966 11 5117777 / kempinski.com

Contact: +966 11 2115500 / fourseasons.com

Best for… LEBANESE Naya Mövenpick Hotel Riyadh Open for lunch and dinner, Naya offers a modern take on traditional Lebanese cuisine in a chic setting. Contact: +966 11 4579999 / movenpick.com

Best for… ARMENIAN Lusin Al Olaya district Showcases Armenian cuisine and culture, with house specialities such as gapama (stuffed pumpkin) and manti (dumplings). Contact: +966 92 0002690 / lusinrestaurant.com

CASUAL NETWORKING La Piazza Restaurant Location: Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Tower Cuisine: Italian Inspired by an Italian piazza with terrazzo tiles and twinkling stars on the ceiling, this restaurant serves generous portions of traditional pizzas and pasta dishes in a relaxed, convivial setting.

Contact: +966 11 4543300 / sheratonriyadh.com

01: Lusin, Al Olaya district 02: Hong, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh 03: Café Chic, Sofitel Al Khobar 04: Asahi, Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers 05: Grilled prawn with lemon. Image: Getty

Strike Bowling Alley Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Cuisine: American For a fun corporate event, this high-end bowling lounge serves American-style sharing platters and finger foods that are ideal for groups. Available for private hire, there are six bowling lanes. Contact: +966 11 8028020 / ritzcarlton.com

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Khobar on the rise The pleasant seaside city has a host of five-star hotels with great restaurants Maharaja by Vineet Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar Elegant interiors and exquisite northwest Indian cuisine from acclaimed chef patron, Vineet Bhatia. Contact: +966 13 8984999 / movenpick.com

Marrakesh Crowne Plaza Hotel Al Khobar Open for lunch and dinner, Marrakesh has a team of Moroccan chefs and modern décor. Contact: +966 13 8988840 / ihg.com

Twist InterContinental Al Khobar This smart all-day dining venue offers à la carte, international buffets and a seafood-laden Friday brunch. Contact: +966 13 8452888 / ihg.com

Fusion Le Méridien Al Khobar Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, this sushi and seafood spot serves relaxed business lunches and buffet dinners. Contact: +966 13 8969000 / lemeridienalkhobar.com

Café Chic Sofitel Al Khobar Located on the Corniche with indoor and al fresco areas, French gastronomy meets Asian flavours at this trendy restaurant. Contact: +966 13 8817000 / sofitel.com

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This impressive fort-like restaurant offers visitors an insight into old Arabia

CASUAL NETWORKING Grill Room Location: Golden Tulip Al Hamra Hotel Cuisine: International Open daily for lunch and dinner, this restaurant seats 75 and plays host to popular themed buffets every night with a live grill corner cooked to order. There is also a relaxed brunch on Fridays. Contact: +966 13 8333444 / goldentulipalhamra.com

Red Dragon Location: Golden Tulip Al Hamra Hotel Cuisine: Chinese This 80-seat restaurant can comfortably accommodate large groups for lunch and dinner. The à la carte menu features Cantonese and Sichuan dishes that are ideal for sharing, while the informal dress code adds to the relaxed mood. Contact: +966 13 8333444 / goldentulipalhamra.com

REGIONAL FLAVOURS

Fayrouz Location: Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers Cuisine: Middle Eastern Serving an all-day buffet with the option

to dine à la carte, Fayrouz features themed buffets including Egyptian and Lebanese nights, along with a popular Friday Brunch, served poolside. Contact: +966 13 8345555 / sheratondammam.com

Heritage Village Location: Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Road, Dammam Cuisine: Middle Eastern This impressive fort-like restaurant offers visitors an insight into old Arabia, with ancient weapons, jewellery and antiques on display. There is also a maze of individual rooms with majlis-style seating and traditional regional cuisine. Contact: +966 13 8090000

ALL-DAY DINING Tulip Restaurant Location: Golden Tulip Corniche Dammam Cuisine: International Enjoy an elegant dining experience at this ground-floor restaurant serving a buffet of international and Middle Eastern cuisine. The wide selection of hot and cold dishes will please most palates. Contact: +966 13 8527777 / goldentulipcorniche.com

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PLAY | DINING

The Square Location: Novotel Dammam Business Park Cuisine: International This contemporary outlet features a varied buffet of international and Arabic favourites to suit all tastes. There are live cooking stations and themed nights throughout the week.

– think saloon doors, cowboy hats and saddles – this is a fun option for a group dinner. On the menu are tacos, burritos and Texan grills, plus the restaurant has an open-air terrace. Contact: +966 12 6633333 / lemeridien-jeddah.com

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS

Contact: +966 13 8458888 / novotel.com

JEDDAH STUNNING SEAVIEWS Noodles Location: Rosewood Jeddah Cuisine: Chinese With floor-to-ceiling windows, this second-floor restaurant enjoys fantastic views of the Red Sea. Specialities include Peking duck, dim sum and handmade noodles, while the open kitchen and Chinese tea counter add to the atmosphere. Available for exclusive hire, it seats 150-200 people. Contact: +966 12 2607111 / rosewoodhotels.com

Aromi Location: Waldorf Astoria Jeddah Cuisine: Italian Boasting private dining rooms with ocean views, Aromi is particularly pleasant at sunset. The Venetian-inspired menu features traditional and contemporary dishes that more than match the views. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. Contact: +966 92 0009565 / waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

CASUAL NETWORKING Tropical Garden Location: Sheraton Jeddah Cuisine: BBQ Grill With swaying palm trees and cool sea breezes, this al fresco terrace overlooking the Red Sea is a top spot for informal gatherings. It specialises in Asian barbecue dishes and also offers shisha. Contact: +966 12 6992212 / sheratonjeddah.com

The Texan Restaurant Location: Le Méridien Jeddah Cuisine: Tex-Mex With long tables and Wild West décor

Mataam Al Sharq Location: Waldorf Astoria Jeddah Qasr al Sharq Cuisine: Middle Eastern Mataam Al Sharq has private dining facilities for 10-40 guests, making it ideal for intimate corporate events. With panoramic sea views, opulent interiors and acclaimed Lebanese cuisine, this is one place sure to impress. +966 92 0009565 / waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Al Malaki Lounge Location: Rosewood Jeddah Cuisine: Tailor-made menus Located on the 20th floor with 360degree views, Al Malaki Lounge offers planners an exclusive location to host corporate events. The culinary team can create bespoke menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner for up to 24 guests.

Contact: +966 12 2607111 / rosewoodhotels.com

SPACIOUS SETTINGS BEST WORKING MEALS Byblos Location: Al Hamra Street Cuisine: Lebanese With glamorous golden interiors and space for 326 diners, this upmarket Lebanese outfit is a great option for larger groups. Available for exclusive hire, the restaurant has four different areas including the main hall overlooking the Corniche, which seats 130.

Sakura Location: Crowne Plaza Jeddah Cuisine: Japanese With an extensive à la carte menu and a special business lunch menu including bento boxes, Sakura is a top choice for a working lunch or dinner. Contact: +966 12 6611000 / ihg.com

Ginza I Chome Location: Rosewood Jeddah Cuisine: Japanese Ginza I Chome’s Japanese gardens offer a quiet, private environment for small groups. Inside, the main dining area can accommodate gatherings of up to 150 people and features a long bar where chefs prepare dishes in front of diners. There’s also a private dining room for eight. Contact: +966 12 2607111 / rosewoodhotels.com

Contact: +966 12 6695894 / leylaty.com.sa

01 & 05: Al Wadaa, Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah 02: Prime, Conrad Makkah 03: Aromi, Waldorf Astoria Jeddah 04: The Square, Novotel Dammam Business Park

Al Wadaa Location: Mövenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah Cuisine: Oriental and seafood Superbly located on a man-made private island just off the Corniche, Al Wadaa is spread over several levels with indoor space for 100 and large breezy terraces with unbeatable views. Contact: +966 12 6555550 / movenpick.com

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Makkah’s top 10 Sample the flavours of the Holy City at one of these restaurants Prime Conrad Makkah Open for lunch and dinner, this elegant steakhouse features an open kitchen and views of the Sacred Mosque. 02

Contact: +966 12 5308777 / conradhotels3.hilton.com

Al Dira Makkah Clock Royal Tower This palatial 499-seat restaurant has an extensive Middle Eastern buffet and live ouzi stations. Contact: + 966 12 5717777 / fairmont.com

Al Majlis Raffles Makkah The outdoor terrace of this Levantine fine-dining restaurant offers views of the Sacred Mosque and Ka’aba. Contact: +966 12571 7888 / raffles.com

Al Nasim Mövenpick Hajar Tower Makkah With panoramic views of the holy city and seating for 300 guests, this light-filled restaurant serves International cuisine. Contact: +966 12 5717171 / movenpick.com

Altaie Makarem Umm AlQura Hotel With a capacity for 250 diners, Altaie offers a wide variety of Middle Eastern and International cuisine. Contact: +966 12 5356100 / makarem.sa 03

REGIONAL FLAVOURS Arabesque Location: Sofitel Jeddah Corniche Cuisine: Middle Eastern Serving a fusion of Maghreb and Levantine cuisine, Arabesque will delight business groups with its regional cuisine and minimalist setting in the plush five-star Sofitel Jeddah Corniche. Contact: +966 12 6139000 / sofitel.com 05

Andalusia Location: Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa Cuisine: Moroccan Serving dishes from the various regions of Morocco, diners can opt for à la carte or buffet. The restaurant features comprehensive menues with fine fare, an air-conditioned terrace overlooking the sea and offers special rates for groups of 20 people or more. Contact: +966 12 2639666 / jeddah.park.hyatt.com

Al Rehab Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental Hotel Makkah Along with Saudi specialities, Al Rehab serves a range of cuisines from Lebanese mezze to Indonesian curries. Contact: +966 12 5295000 / ihg.com

Al Shorfa Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana – Makkah Al Shorfa serves à la carte and buffetstyle Saudi Arabian cuisine on its outdoor terrace with views of the Ka’aba. Contact: +966 12 5714444 / rotana.com

Zamzam Restaurant Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel With a skylight section and private dining areas, Zamzam serves a variety of Oriental and continental cuisines. Contact: +966 12 5720500 / makarem.sa

Al Forno Hyatt Regency Makkah With an open kitchen and wood-fired oven, this trattoria-style restaurant serves Italian favourites. Contact: +966 12 5771234 / makkah.regency.hyatt.com

Mazedar Makkah Clock Royal Tower With a tandoor station and seating for 227 guests, this contemporary restaurant offers an authentic Indian buffet. Contact: + 966 12 5717777 / fairmont.com

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PLAY | HISTORY & CULTURE

A kingdom of culture While the holy cities attract a perennial flow of religious tourists, meeting and events planners will soon discover there is plenty to tempt business travellers too

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula – of which the kingdom occupies two-thirds – has played an important role in history as both an ancient trading hub and the birthplace of Islam. The foundations of the modern-day kingdom were laid in 1744 when Muhammad Bin Saud, the ruler of Dir’iyah near Riyadh, formed an alliance with religious leader Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab to restore the pure teachings of Islam. In that spirit, Bin Saud established the First Saudi State. Over the next 150 years, the fortunes of the Al Saud family transformed several times as they vied with the Ottoman Empire, Egypt and other Arabian tribes for control of the peninsula.

The formation of the current kingdom began in 1902, when Abdulaziz Bin Saud captured the Al Saud’s ancestral home of Riyadh from a rival family, and culminated in 1932 with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938, the kingdom has transformed from a desert nation to a major player on the international stage. As it seeks to diversify its economy, tourism and cultural heritage are set to become important pillars of the post-oil nation. As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTH) is investing almost SAR26 billion (US$7 billion) in tourism initiatives around the country including heritage centres, museums and historic sites.

Here are our top picks of the kingdom’s historical and cultural attractions that are sure to show your next incentive group a different side to Saudi Arabia .

RIYADH With heritage sites, atmospheric souqs and one of the region’s best museums, the Saudi capital has plenty to delight delegates.

01: Jizan historical area. Photo by Mohammed Al Ali 02: Souq Al Thumairi. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 03 & 04: National Museum. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

Masmak Fortress Location: Downtown Riyadh The clay and mud-brick fortress in the heart of the old town is a must-see for any visitor to Riyadh. Built around 1865, it was the site of the late King Abdulaziz’s decisive victory over the rival Al Rashid clan in 1902. Highlights include a fascinating collection of photographs dating from 1912 to 1937. sauditourism.sa

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Souq Al Thumairi Location: Downtown Riyadh Just south of Masmak Fortress sits the popular Souq Al Thumairi. Also known as the Antique Souq, the alleyways are lined with shops selling an eclectic array of Arabian wares such as carpets, coffee pots, daggers, musical instruments, gold jewellery and hand-woven textiles. About 10 minutes’ drive away, Tahlia Street is a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, malls and restaurants that is also good for a browse. National Museum Location: King Abdulaziz Historical Center One of the finest museums in the Middle East, the National Museum is not to be missed. Spread over two floors, there are eight halls brimming

with artefacts and antiquities covering Arabian history, culture and art. The Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Hall is especially enlightening for non-Muslim visitors, who are not allowed to visit Makkah and Madinah. The exhibits are complemented by documentaries, virtual site visits and interactive displays. nationalmuseum.org.sa

EASTERN PROVINCE The kingdom’s largest province is home to a number of heritage hotspots that are sure to be a hit with business travellers.

Dammam Regional Museum Location: On the Dammam waterfront Highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the Eastern Province – Dammam is considered one of

One of the finest museums in the Middle East, the National Museum is not to be missed the kingdom’s earliest inhabited areas – the museum has six halls of artefacts and displays, from the Stone Age to the present. The Islamic Hall documents the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) to Madinah. The museum also screens films on the antiquities and heritage of the kingdom. sauditourism.sa

AL AHSA OASIS Location: Hofuf, 185 kilometres south of Dammam The capital of the Eastern Province until 1953, Hofuf is home to an old fort, one of the most interesting souqs in the kingdom and the Al Ahsa Oasis. The largest palm tree oasis on the planet with more than one-and-a-half million trees, it also features a number of archaeological sites and buildings including the ninth-century Jawatha Settlement. Visitors can pick up souvenirs such as dates, Arabic coffee, abayas made from camel hair, rope made from palm fibres, and silver and gold jewellery. sauditourism.sa

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PLAY | HISTORY & CULTURE

Top cultural experiences Al Ardah The famous war dance is a great way to kick-start an evening’s entertainment. Men line up in two opposite rows and dance to the rhythm of beating drums while wielding a sword or cane and waving a flag. sauditourism.sa

Historical Jeddah Tour Nomad Arabia offers guided walking tours of Jeddah’s atmospheric Old Town (Al Balad) for groups of four to 24 people, taking in the bustling spice souqs and traditional-style houses built from wood and coral stone extracted from the Red Sea. +966 555 072200 / nomadarabia.com

Janadriyah Festival Usually held in February near Riyadh, the two-week festival showcases camel and horseracing, sword dancing, poetry, music, regional costumes and cuisine as well as crafts such as carpet weaving and pottery. sauditourism.sa

Al Ghat Heritage Village Located 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh and surrounded by date farms, Al Ghat is an architectural gem of the Najd region. It features beautifully restored mud-brick buildings and a theatre for music and folk dancing performances. sauditourism.sa 06

Tarout Island Location: 45 kilometres north of Dammam Home to around 50,000 people and connected to the coastal city of Qatif by two causeways, Tarout Island is notable for its old fort built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. Archaeological evidence suggests settlements have existed on the site dating back 5,000 years. Visitors can explore the island further by wandering around the old town of Dareen, which is home to traditional houses made from palms and a fishing harbour with dhow boats moored offshore.

from around the world, its intricately decorated interior is a must-see. sauditourism.sa

Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum Location: Downtown district With the history of Jeddah stretching back 2,500 years, this superb museum traces the various civilizations that have inhabited the city. There are more than 10,000 items on display including artefacts from early fishermen tribes, the pre-Islamic period and the Ottoman era. The complex also contains a mosque and the façade of a beautiful old castle.

sauditourism.sa

jeddah.gov.sa

JEDDAH The kingdom’s most cosmopolitan city, visitors will enjoy discovering Jeddah’s museums, art galleries and historic old quarter.

JEDDAH SCULPTURE MUSEUM

Floating Mosque Location: Corniche Road Of the 1,300 mosques in Jeddah, the Floating Mosque, also known as the White Mosque because of its beautiful white marble exterior, is one of the most serene. Jutting out over the water, it gives the impression that it is floating, particularly when lit up at night. Enduringly popular with Makkah-bound pilgrims

Location: Jeddah Corniche As Saudi art continues to attract global interest, visitors can view modernist public artworks on Jeddah’s doorstep. The open-air museum houses 20 sculptures that were brought to the city in the 1970s and ‘80s as part of a wideranging public art programme. They include works by some of the most famous names in modern art such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder,

05: Festival of Lights. Photo by Atiah Al Zahrani 06: Jeddah Sculpture Museum. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 07: Al-Balad district, old Jeddah. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 08: Mada’in Saleh. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

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MUST SEE

Joan Miró and César. Strolling along the Corniche, visitors can also admire views of the Red Sea and the 312-metrehigh Jeddah Fountain. sculpturesofjeddah.com

MAKKAH As the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), Makkah is considered the holiest city in Islam. Due to its religious significance, the city is off-limits to non-Muslims. Around 15 million people visit each year to perform the annual Hajj or lesser Umrah pilgrimages. Key religious sites include the Ka’aba, which is also known as Masjid Al Haram (Sacred Mosque), the largest mosque in the world; and the Zamzam Well. Pilgrims also flock to Jabal Al Nour (Mountain of Light) east of Makkah where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received his first revelation from the Archangel Gabriel; and Al Jamarat in the nearby city of Mina, where Muslims perform the Stoning of the Devil ritual of the Hajj.

MADINAH The second holiest city in the kingdom, Madinah is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived and taught. Located in the western Hejaz region, it is home to the mosque that houses his tomb, Masjid Al Nabawi, and is a place of peace and tranquillity. There are also several famous Islamic archaeological, historical and battle sites located here. Indeed, Madinah is characterised by a rich cultural heritage that includes museums, palm plantations and traditional markets. Entry to the core city is restricted to Muslims and it is a popular spot for consumer exhibitions.

World Heritage Wonders The kingdom is home to four Unesco World Heritage sites Historic Jeddah Location: Old Town (Al Balad) in the city centre Visitors can soak up the charm of times gone by in the historic old city of Jeddah. The district contains historical landmarks such as the Old Jeddah Wall built to protect the city, ancient mosques, tower houses built in the late 19th century by wealthy merchants, lively souqs and narrow, winding alleys. A trip to the nearby Gold Souq is also highly recommended. Al Turaif in Dir’iyah Location: 20 kilometres northwest of Riyadh Situated on the banks of Wadi Hanifa, the original capital city of the first Saudi state provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Divided into two by the wadi, Dir’iyah was founded in the 15th century and consists of several districts including Turaif. Must-see features include Salwa Palace – where state affairs were organised – as well as high-rise mud buildings rarely seen in the rest of the region. Mada’in Saleh Location: 360 kilometres northwest of Madinah Set amid a series of sweeping sand and remarkable rock formations, Mada’in Saleh features more than 100 stone tombs carved by the Nabateans and is considered second only to Petra in Jordan. Mount Athleb stands dramatically on the horizon and, just like Petra, it features a narrow passageway called the Siq. Al Fareed Palace is the most popular tomb characterised by a large northern façade with intricate carvings. Rock Art of Ha’il Location: Ha’il region in the north of the country. Inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2015, Jabal Umm Sinman at Jubbah and Jabal al-Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis are the most important archaeological sites in the Kingdom. Petroglyphs and inscriptions on the rock face show representations of human and animal figures covering 10,000 years of history.

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PLAY | SPORTS

Just the ticket Saudi Arabia’s traditional and international sporting events provide a unique setting for corporate events and incentive experiences

Camel racing An authentic Arab sport that has been practiced for generations, camel racing reflects strong heritage and remains widely popular today. One of the biggest racing events takes place at the annual Janadriyah Festival, held over two weeks in February at Janadriyah, around 45 kilometres northeast of Riyadh. It kicks off with four days of camel racing that sees around 1,200 participants compete across six events for prizes worth more than SAR1 million (US$267,000). The thrilling spectacle draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from Saudi Arabia and abroad. During winter, camel races are also held every Monday at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium. Contact: sauditourism.sa

Falconry Inscribed on Unesco’s intangible heritage list in 2010, falconry is another popular sport deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. The kingdom’s northern coast is known for its large number of falconry enthusiasts. During the hunting season from October to March, falconers head out into the desert to watch saker (hurr) and peregrine (shaheen) falcons hunt prey. Festivals include the annual Turaif Falconry Festival held in January in the town of Turaif in the Northern Borders Province, with competitions for the fastest hunter and most beautiful bird.

Horse racing With a grandstand comprising six floors of restaurants, private boxes and seating for 3,500 spectators, visitors can share the local passion for horse racing at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Janadriyah. The Equestrian Club of Riyadh’s flat racing season runs from September until April, with more than 60 race meetings taking place on Friday afternoons and evenings. The premier international events are The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Cup (King’s Cup) and the King Abdulaziz Cup, both held in February. Contact: +966 11 2540154/ frusiya.com

Golf First introduced by American oil workers in the late 1940s, golf has grown in popularity in Saudi Arabia in recent years. The kingdom has hosted a number of major international tournaments including the 2015 American Express Dirab Golf Championship, part of the MENA Golf Tour aimed at the region’s best amateur and professional players as well as eligible players from the around the world. There are around a dozen golf clubs in the kingdom, with the majority of grass courses located in Riyadh. A number of courses offer corporate golf days and meeting and events space for hire. Contact: ksagolf.com

01: Arabian horse. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 02: Falconry. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 03: Dirab Golf and Country Club

Contact: sauditourism.sa 01

The Arabian horse Renowned for its speed, endurance and grace, the Arabian horse is revered in local culture. A five-day festival – The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Festival – takes place each January at Al Khalediah Farm in Tebrak. The programme includes an endurance race, flat racing events and a competition for purebred steeds. Contact: + 966 11 4659422 / psaiahf.com

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Top golf courses 1. Riyadh Golf Courses Location: 20 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive from the city centre. Course: An 18-hole par-72 championship course with undulating terrain, wide fairways, manicured greens, manmade lakes and streams. There is also a separate desert course. Facilities: The Palms Restaurant serves international and local cuisine and provides private dining and catering for meetings and seminars. The adjoining 40,000-square-metre Riyadh Sports Garden offers full catering services and activities such as mini-golf and billiards. Contact: +966 55 7399900 / riyadhgolfcourses.com

2. Dirab Golf & Country Club Location: In the picturesque Tawfiq Valley, 45 kilometres south west of Riyadh. Course: An 18-hole par-72 championship course and nine-hole par-27 course with tree-lined fairways and manicured greens. Open yearround, nine holes are floodlit. Facilities: Clubhouse facilities include meeting rooms and The French Corner Restaurant, which offers catering for corporate events. Team-building activities include paintballing, laser tag, archery tag, volleyball, tennis and horse riding.

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Falconry is another popular sport deeply rooted in Bedouin culture

Contact: +966 1 8126671 / dirabgolf.com

3. Nofa Golf Resort Location: Around 85 kilometres west of Riyadh. Course: An 18-hole par 73 course with clever bunker placement and water hazards to challenge even the most experienced golfer, along with a ninehole academy course, driving range and putting green. Facilities: Park of the 1,800-hectare Nofa Resorts complex, facilities include a small safari park, an equestrian centre and African-themed resort with 46 lodges. The resort can accommodate corporate events ranging from 60 to 600 people in nine indoor and outdoor venues. Contact: +966 59 3253721 / nofaresorts.com

4. Arizona Golf Resort Location: 30 kilometres northeast of Riyadh city centre. Course: A nine-hole par-34 floodlit course with lush greens and challenging fairways, as well as a driving range. Facilities: The clubhouse offers ballroom and banquet dining facilities, along with a bowling alley and squash courts. Outdoor facilities include an open-air theatre, tennis, football and basketball courts. 02

Contact: +966 1 2484444 / agr.com.sa

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PLAY | ACTIVITIES

Beyond the agenda With endless deserts, pristine beaches and modern attractions, the country offers plenty of options when it comes to organising exciting incentives and engaging team-building activities

One of the most important elements of any successful MICE event is ensuring that delegates experience more of a country than just convention centres, hotel rooms and airport lounges. Beyond its religious sites, Saudi Arabia offers a range of activities to help make corporate events and incentive programmes even more memorable. For planners looking to compile a bespoke itinerary that exceeds expectations, here’s our selection of the kingdom’s most inspiring activities.

Wadi Hanifah Location: A 15-minute drive from Riyadh city centre Stretching for 80 kilometres, Wadi Hanifa is one of the largest openair recreation spaces in the country. Named after the Banu Hanifa tribe, it features six parks with pedestrianised walkways and picnic areas. It has been transformed into a lush nature reserve with around 30,000 desert trees planted along the valley and a further 7,000 palm trees planted along hiking paths. scta.gov.sa

HIKING The Edge of the World Location: Around a 90-minute drive west of Riyadh The imposing cliffs of Tuwaiq Escarpment – or The Edge of the World, as it is known – is one of the kingdom’s most popular desert trekking areas and makes a perfect day trip for groups based in the capital. Hikers can walk along the cliffs of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Grand Canyon’ for awe-inspiring views over the plains below and then head down into the valley, dotted with acacia trees. If hiking doesn’t appeal, the town of Dhurma is a great vantage point for sunset photos of the escarpment.

Asir National Park Location: Near Abha, around 575 kilometres south of Jeddah Saudi Arabia’s first national park stretches from the Red Sea coast, across the mountains and east into the desert. It contains some of the kingdom’s most spectacular scenery including Jabal Sawda – Saudi Arabia’s highest peak at 2,910 metres – along with hiking trails, campsites, picnic spots and lookouts. A popular cable car ride provides stunning views as it makes its way to the peak through layers of cloud. Regular flights connect Jeddah to Abha in just over an hour.

scta.gov.sa

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Top of the shops

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The kingdom’s modern mega malls boast stores, restaurants and plenty of entertainment options

Saudi Arabia offers a range of activities to help make corporate events and incentive programmes even more memorable

The Kingdom Center Location: Al Olaya Street, Riyadh Home to the most luxurious brands in the kingdom, the mall has over 190 boutiques such as Dior, Fendi and Tom Ford as well as a ladies’ only floor. +966 11 2112222 / kingdomcentre.com.sa

Al Faisaliyah Mall Location: King Fahad Road, Riyadh Housed within the striking Al Faisaliah Tower, the mall has around 120 stores stocked with international brands as well as a food court and amusement park. +966 11 2734003 / alfaisaliahmall.com

Tahlia Street Location: Officially called Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Riyadh One of the region’s most famous streets, Tahlia Street is lined with restaurants, designer boutiques and high-end malls such as Panorama Mall and Centria Mall. Red Sea Mall Location: King Abdulaziz Road, Jeddah The city’s biggest shopping mall has 450 high street and high-end stores including H&M, Burberry and Armani Exchange as well as over 50 food outlets. + 966 12 2151551 / redseamall.com

Mall of Arabia Location: Nuzhah District, Jeddah With an impressive mix of 300 stores featuring international and regional brands, the mall has three family entertainment centres and a large food court. +966 12 6123100 / mallofarabia.com.sa

01: Red Sands, Saudi Arabia. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media 02: Asir National Park. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 03: Al Faisaliah Tower Mall. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

Al Rashid Mall Location: Al Khobar, Eastern Province Spread over three levels with a modern mall and souq-style shopping area, the mall has stores, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities for all ages. +966 13 8994466 / rashidmall.com

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PLAY | ACTIVITIES

DESERT EXPLORING The Empty Quarter Location: In the southeast of the country Covering a quarter of the kingdom, as well as parts of Oman, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) is the largest sand area on the planet. Stretching more than 655,000 square kilometres, it features vast chains of sculpted sand dunes, some over 250 metres high, as well as individual crescent-shaped dunes and rocky areas. Tour agencies can arrange guided, tailor-made 4WD tours for groups, which usually depart from Wadi Al Dawasir and Sharurah. There are regular flights from Riyadh to Wadi Al Dawasir (70 minutes) and Sharurah (90 minutes); and from Jeddah to Wadi Al Dawasir (one hour 25 minutes) and Sharurah (one hour 50 minutes). Mada’in Saleh Location: 360 kilometres northwest of Madinah Mada’in Saleh, known as ‘Little Petra’, is an ancient Nabatean caravan city filled with magnificent carved stone tombs dating from the first century BCE. Surrounded by desert landscape with sandstone outcrops of various sizes, heights and shapes, the World Heritage

site will not only appeal to history buffs, but experienced hikers too. Organised tours can be arranged by tour agencies in Madinah and Jeddah. The gateway to Mada’in Saleh is Al Ula, 40 kilometres away and home to Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport.

Nakheel Beach is one of the most popular spots for daytrippers, with wellpreserved reefs as well as excellent shore diving and snorkelling. Desert Sea Divers is one of the most experienced operators and offers scheduled boat trips and charter hire for private groups. At nearby Obhur, visitors can hire jet skis and boats.

WATERSPORTS

+966 12 6561807 / desertseadivers.com

Al Nakheel Beach Location: 30 minutes’ drive from central Jeddah Flanking the shores of the kingdom, the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea have some of the world’s finest scuba diving sites. Just outside of Jeddah, Al

Half Moon Beach Location: 28 kilometres from Al Khobar in the Eastern Province With a name inspired by its semi-circular shape, Half Moon Beach on the Arabian Gulf is the premier public beach

04: The Empty Quarter. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media 05 & 06: Mada’in Saleh. Image: Alamy/ Phocal Media

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07: Scuba diving in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media 08: Go karting. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media

in the Eastern Province. It boasts clean water for snorkelling and swimming and the best diving facilities in the province as well as two amusement parks close by. Many of the resorts in the area have dive shops and can arrange group outings, such as Dana Beach Resort at Half Moon Bay. +966 13 8293000 / danabeachresort.sa

SKIING Snow City Location: Al-Othaim Mall Rabwa, Riyadh Opened last year, Snow City is the kingdom’s first snow park. Stretching over 5,000 square metres and kept at an icy minus-three degrees Celsius, the centre offers a dozen different activities that are great for groups including skiing,

“

The World Heritage Site will not only appeal to history buffs, but experienced hikers too

snowboarding, sledging, tubing, bumper cars, snow mobiles, rope courses, climbing wall and igloo building as well as a panoramic suspension bridge. The snow park can host up to 350 people an hour and has ice huts, an event venue and a number of restaurants. A twohour session costs from SAR140 (US$37) including ski jacket, trousers, socks, boots and beanie. +966 92 0008331 / othaimleisure.com

3 of the best adrenaline-fuelled activities Skydiving Location: Saudi Aviation Club, Riyadh The first club of its kind in the kingdom, Saudi Aviation Club offers tandem skydiving, paragliding and flying lessons that make ideal incentives. +966 11 2191002 / sac.sa

Paintballing Location: 1st Paintball, Riyadh The capital’s only paintball facility can host fun sessions at their men-only centre as well paintballing for mixed groups at private venues. +966 92 0003318 / 1stpaintball.com

Karting Location: IN10SO in Serafi Mega Mall, Jeddah Liven up your next event with indoor karting. The centre also offers Escape Quest, where teams must work together to open a locked room. +966 12 2844991 / in10so.com

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DIRECTORY | LISTINGS

Key contacts Orchestrate your ideal meeting or event with a little help from these trusted service providers 01: Kingdom Tower Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Image: Alamy/Phocal Media 01

EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Ace Creative +966 12 6546384 contact@acecreative.com.sa acecreative.com.sa 3rd Dimension Eventech +966 12 6070011, +966 50 5622502 info@3deventech.com 3deventech.com Ibento International +966 12 2849010 ibento@ibentointernational.com ibentointernational.com Marcom Arabia +966 11 2002722 info@marcomarabia.net marcomarabia.net

Dunia Intermedia +966 11 4603481 info@duniaintermedia.com duniaintermedia.com

Hill MICE +966 11 4503638 info@hillmice.com hillmice.com

Occasions Trading Company +966 12 6575508 info@occasionsme.com occasionsme.com

M.I.C.E Arabia Group +966 12 6070710 info@micearabia.net micearabia.net

Techno Sign & Exhibition +966 11 2778877 info@technose.net technose.net

Riyadh Exhibitions Company +966 11 2295604 info@recexpo.com recexpo.com

Exicon International Group (part of The Specialist Group) +966 11 4602332 info@exicon-specialist.com exicon-specialist.com

Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center +966 11 2632172 info@ricec.com.sa ricec.com.sa

Pico International Saudi Arabia +966 11 4645903 info@sa.pico.com pico.com.sa

EXHIBITION ORGANISERS ACE Exhibitions +966 12 6546384 ace@acexpos.com acexpos.com

SERVICES AND SUPPLIERS Arena Tents Saudi Arabia +966 11 4896531 rmillward@arenagroup.com asiatentsarena.com

Dhahran International Exhibitions Company +966 13 8591888 info@diec.com.sa diec.com.sa

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES (DMCS) Destinations of the World Saudi Arabia +966 12 6501234 saudi@dotw.com us.dotwconnect.com Jawlah Tours Company +966 11 4816508 info@jawlah-tours.com jawlahtours.com

ITL Leisure Tourism & Travel Co +966 11 2862205 ksa.riyadh@ITLtravel.com itlworldtravel.com Al Shitaiwi Travel & Tourism +966 12 2711770 / 6794022 admin@alshitaiwitours.com alshitaiwitours.com Masawife Tours Operators +966 11 2076665 info@masawife.com masawife.com Alsarh Travel & Tourism +966 11 4941111 info@alsarh.com.sa alsarh.com.sa Sadd Al Samallaghi Tourism Co Ltd +966 12 6640662 ops@samalleghi.com samallaghi.com Rehab Al Muhammadiyah Tourism +966 14 8481618 info@rehabmtravel.com rehabmtravel.com

Al Ula +966 54 0522257 info@alula-guide.com alula-guide.com ARAC Tour Operator +966 14 8361010 info@aractours.com arac.com.sa Lamar Tourism Agency +966 56 7565222 kd567@hotmail.com lamartourism.com Alsyahi Tour Operators +966 13 5304567 info@alsyahi.com alsyahi.com Najran Tours +966 55 2498012 najrantours@gmail.com najrantours.com Terhal International +966 12 2386066 info@terhal.com.sa terhal.com.sa MCI Saudi Arabia riyadh@mci-group.com mci-group.com

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