InterContinental signs pact for two new properties in Saudi Arabia

Dubai: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with investors Saudi Telal to develop two new Crowne Plaza properties in Saudi Arabia, an e-mailed statement said.

The new hotels will take the group's portfolio to 19 in the country, which span across three of the group's brands - InterContinental, Holiday Inn and an existing Crowne Plaza hotel in Jeddah.

Present at the signing ceremony were Mohammad Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Dr Hassan Hegab, Fuad Ahmad Al Azab, and Phil Kasselis, vice-president, Development, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa.

Located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, Crowne Plaza Al Khobar will have 247 rooms including two penthouse suites and a wide range of food and beverage outlets including a tea lounge, a specialty restaurant on the ground floor, an all-day dining restaurant and a club lounge.

Central district

Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Al Madinah, situated in the central district of Saudi Arabia, will offer a total of 620 rooms, six meeting rooms, a business centre and at least four diverse dining options.

Crowne Plaza Al Khobar is expected to open by the end of summer 2007 and Crowne Plaza Al Madinah will follow in 2008.