IHCL has partnered with Umm Al Qura Development to introduce the first Taj hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, marking a strategic expansion into the region's booming hospitality market.

Information on the Target

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is a premier hospitality enterprise in South Asia, known for its iconic Taj brand. With a legacy dating back to 1903, when it launched the Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay, IHCL has established itself as a leader in the industry, operating 145 hotels across 11 countries and 4 continents. In a significant development, IHCL has announced its entry into the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, through a partnership with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company for the King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) project. This new hotel will be the first Taj property in Saudi Arabia.

The proposed Taj hotel in Makkah, scheduled to open in January 2023, is strategically located near the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), which attracts over 6 million pilgrims annually. The hotel will offer approximately 340 rooms, complemented by banqueting facilities and a variety of restaurants, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

Industry Overview in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is experiencing rapid growth, largely driven by an increase in tourism and the country's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the tourism industry. The government's efforts to attract both