Riyadh – Mubasher: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which operates the Taj Group of hotels, has marked its Saudi Arabia's debut through inking a partnership with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company.

As per the deal, South Asia's leading hospitality company will develop a property in Makkah's King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) project, the Indian hospitality firm said in a statement. 

IHCL's partnership with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company "is aligned to our strategy of a strong focus on global growth markets and to be present where our guests travel to. We are committed to expanding our presence in the MENA region,” said managing director and CEO of IHCL Puneet Chhatwal.

Chhatwal added that IHCL, which is recognised as one of Asia's largest and finest hotel companies, aims at expanding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

With plans to open two fresh hotels in Dubai in the next 12-18 months, in addition to the already-existed Taj Dubai located in the Burj Khalifa downtown area, Taj hotel in Makkah will mark IHCL’s fourth venture in the MENA region.

Scheduled to be opened by January 2023, IHCL's new hotel in Makkah is situated within walking distance of the Grand Mosque, and will include around 340 keys, in addition to banqueting facilities and several restaurants.

IHCL did not give further details concerning the total cost of the project.