In the presence of His Excellency the Secretary of the Holy City and the Secretary General of Makkah Region Development Authority, “Jabal Omar” announced the winners in the international design competition the first 7-star hotel and a residential tower next to the Grand Mosque

He stated that the first prize winner is the British Fosters Company, which is famous for its leading projects, such as Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh that was designed for Jabal Omar project and inspired by the Islamic architecture art, and it constitutes as a paradigm shift in architecture in the Sanctuary’s neighborhood. Furthermore, RMJM Company won the second prize through a unique project that took into account the urban fabric of ancient Makkah; thus combining between the authenticity of the past and the present developments. Jabal Omar has formed a distinct arbitration team, which included the famous Spanish Architect Ricardo Bofill, the Turkish Architect Emre Arolat, the Architectural Academic Prof. Peter Bishop from London University, and the Saudi Architect Hisham Malaeka; to arbitrate in the projects and agree on the first and second winners in the competition.

On the other hand, the CEO of JODC Mr. Yasser Bin Faisal Al-Sharif confirmed that JODC had made great strides in establishing one of the largest hotel, commercial and residential projects, until it became a main landmark in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque; due to its distinctive view of the Holy Mosque. The company aims to achieve its vision for Jabal Omar project through achieving the authentic style, while maintaining Makkah and Islamic architecture art with modern and contemporary touches. Furthermore, the CEO stated that JODC is honored to be one of the most important key stakeholders in achieving the ambitious plans that the Saudi leadership is working on; in order to serve the pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims by increasing the absorptive capacity of Hajj and Umrah, according to the highest quality and performance standards, and providing multiple choices of integrated hotel, commercial and cultural projects in its huge project in “Jabal Omar” region, which is characterized by its historical importance and its direct view of the Grand Mosque.

It is worth mentioning that JODC project is one of the leading real estate development projects; since it is located just few steps away from the Grand Mosque, and attracts the best international hotels; as the four five-star hotels have been inaugurated, namely: Conrad Jabal Omar, Hyatt Regency Jabal Omar, Hilton Suites Jabal Omar and Marriott Jabal Omar. Another chain of the most famous and largest hotels in the world will join them, in accordance with the Executive Program of Jabal Omar project. Furthermore, Mr. Hisham Malaeka, Chief Design Officer, clarified that discussions are currently being held with the top hospitality company in the world, i.e. the Four Seasons, in regards to running this new hotel. JODC has used the Four Seasons’ functional and cadastral standards and needs in the development of the spaces program in the competition.