The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has revealed plans for a string of hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia.
Ascott, and The United Spectrums Holding Company, inked a management contract for Ascott Makkah and Spectrum Serviced Residences in Jeddah with both projects set to open in 2017. 
The 280-unit Ascott Makkah is located on Al Masjid Al Haram Street in Makkah’s prime district of Al Aziziyah, less than 2km from the Grand Mosque and Mina, the two main sites visited during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The surrounding area includes restaurants and supermarkets and is 150m from a bus station and 300m from the Mina train station.
Upon full completion of the Haramain High Speed Rail (which will eventually link the cities of Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah and beyond), the Ascott Makkah property will be a 30-minute journey from Jeddah’s Abdul Aziz International Airport – Saudi’s busiest airport.
The low-rise Spectrum Serviced Residences in Jeddah will comprise of 69 spacious, two-bedroom apartment units with varying layouts. Managed and operated by Ascott, facilities will include a breakfast area, residents’ lounge and children’s playroom.
“We are delighted to have signed the agreements to manage the Ascott Makkah and Spectrum Serviced Residences,” said Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Area General Manager in the GCC. “KSA remains a highly significant growth market and these latest signings not only strengthen Ascott’s leadership position in the kingdom, but also reinforce our presence in the wider Middle East. With this in mind, Ascott Makkah is being developed specifically to cater to the needs of visitors on short- to mid-length stays, and who want quality accommodation that is comfortable and within easy reach of the city’s transport links.”
The addition of Spectrum Serviced Residences in Jeddah takes Ascott’s tally of properties in the bustling Red Sea port city to five, underlining Jeddah’s importance as a leisure and commercial hub and the strategic gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
