- AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel Named "Makkah's Leading Hotel 2010"-

-The Globe in Riyadh Named "Middle East's Leading Architectural Concept"-

5th May 2010, SAUDI ARABIA: In a demonstration of all-round excellence, two five-star establishments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - the AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel in Makkah and The Globe, an architectural masterpiece atop the renowned Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh, owned by Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC) under the umbrella of the philanthropic King Faisal Foundation (KFF), scooped awards at the annual World Travel Awards held at the Address Hotel, Dubai Marina last night (Monday)

The Al Shohada Hotel, an AKMC managed property which is owned by Mubarrat Shohada Al Haram Al Makki Al Shareef underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment programme two years ago. The property was awarded "Makkah's Leading Hotel 2010" in recognition of the impeccable service standards, luxurious accommodation and attention to detail throughout the hotel.

 Situated just minutes from the Holy Mosque Al Haram, the five-star hotel is ideally located for both religious and business travellers visiting the holy city. It is the only hotel in Makkah to provide a 24-hour personal butler service.

"To be named "Makkah's Leading Hotel" is a true honour for AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel and recognizes the vision and leadership of our management and the dedication and efforts of our staff," said Sameh Elnashar, General Manager of AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel.  "We are determined to maintain our leadership by ensuring our offering throughout the hotel, from our 494 luxury rooms and suites through to our much sought-after banqueting services, is of the highest standard."

AKMC also scooped the World Travel Award for "Middle East's Leading Architectural Concept" for its iconic The Globe restaurant situated at the top of the Al Faisaliah Tower.  Designed as a three-storey geodesic dome by the legendary architect Lord Norman Foster, The Globe and The Experience, an open-air observation deck, has become a tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year and offers them an unrivalled panoramic view of the city and the Riyadh skyline. The restaurant has long been the most prestigious dining destination in the city and is renowned for its award winning cuisine from celebrated chefs around the world.  The Asir Lounge, a dedicated cigar lounge located on the third floor of The Globe, is the only one of its kind in the Kingdom. 

"Winning this award is testament to the vision of our chairman HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid, who played a pivotal role in the construction of the Faisaliah Tower which was the first skyscraper in Riyadh ten years ago.  The design of The Globe is proving to be as outstanding today as it was 10 years ago and we are delighted to receive a World Travel Award in recognition of this," said Hussein Hatata, Vice President-Hotels Division, Al Khozama Management Company.

The World Travel Awards are the internationally recognised marks of excellence for the travel and tourism industry.  Now in their 17th year, the awards are regarded as the "Oscars" of the industry, with nominations received from thousands of travel professionals around the world.

AKMC, a leading luxury commercial property development, investment and management company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been largely responsible for the redefining luxury Arabian hospitality in the Kingdom.  It is one of the few companies in the hospitality sector to hold such a wide-ranging portfolio - from leisure resorts and business hotels to those in religiously significant locations of Makkah and Al Munawarra. 

-Ends- 

About AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel:
The AKMC-Al Shohada Hotel, managed by Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC), is located directly opposite the King Abdulaziz Gate and just four minutes walk from the Holy Mosque Al Haram in the holy city of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The five-star establishment boasts 494 superbly appointed luxury rooms and suites with state-of-the-art entertainment and communications technology, as well as the largest lobby in Makkah where guests can enjoy their favourite TV programmes on widescreen TVs.  Convenient luxuries include a boutique shopping arcade, in-house beauty salon, wireless internet connectivity throughout the hotel, concierge and 24-hour lobby lounge and room service.  The hotel is the only one in Makkah to offer a 24-hour butler service to selected floors, rooms and suites.  It is also one of the most sought-after venues in Makkah, with impressive banqueting halls, valet and private parking for 240 cars, and the finest cuisine from international chefs to cater to the most exotic tastes. For more information please visit:  www.alshohadahotel-akmc.com 

About The Globe:
Owned by the Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC) and situated atop the Al Faisaliah Tower in the centre of Riyadh, The Globe has long been the city's most prestigious dining destination and a beacon of gastronomic innovation for the Kingdom.   Designed by world renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the iconic building comprises three floors within a geodesic structure that offers visitors a panoramic view of the Riyadh city and skyline.  In addition to the award-winning restaurant, The Globe also includes the Asir Lounge, a dedicated cigar lounge for connoisseurs, The Experience and the Sky Mall.   The Globe is managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.  For more information please visit:  www.alfaisliahhotel.com

About AKMC:
Since 1995 Al Khozama Management Company (AKMC) has been the trendsetter in the development and management of luxurious commercial properties in key locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

Combining smart investment in prime properties, outstanding vision for tomorrow's trends and an innovative approach to management, AKMC is consistently establishing the benchmark in both operational and aesthetic standards.

AKMC boasts a diversified business model that covers the ownership, investment and management of properties in the hospitality, retail and office sectors and is the only company in the hospitality sector that has such a wide-ranging portfolio - from leisure resorts and business hotels, to those in religiously significant locations of Makkah and Al Madina Al Munawarra.

AKMC ranks in the top 100 companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is one of the top three companies in the hospitality sector.  For more information visit www.akmc.com.sa 

Media Contacts:
Lubna Al Zakwani                                 
Mojo PR                                                    
+971 50 544 7224                                 
lubna@mojo-me.com       

Tara Rogers
Mojo PR     
+971 50 345 8424
tara@mojo-me.com

© Press Release 2010