ABDUL Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company (ALJREIC), one of the leading real estate and development companies in Saudi Arabia, is set to launch its $1-billion Anjum Hotel project during the third quarter of 2013.

The hotel is part of the first phase of the Jabal Al Ka’aba project in Makkah, which is poised to add a total of 7,000 hotel rooms upon completion of a cluster of hotels in the coming few years.

Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel, chairman of ALJREIC, said: “Our SR10 billion ($2.6 billion) investment into the Jabal Al Ka’aba project in Makkah is aimed at further strengthening the travel and tourism infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The Anjum Hotel, which is the flagship hotel of Anjum Hotels, is being built at a cost of SR4 billion ($1.06 billion) and is set to open its doors to pilgrims during Q3 of this year.”

The first and largest hotel within the Jabal Al Ka’aba project, Anjum Hotel, will offer 1,743 rooms and suites upon completion, along with a wide range of Sharia-compliant hospitality services, based on global standards. It reflects a new hotel concept in Saudi Arabia, presenting a perfect combination of Hijazi genuine hospitality and true spirituality. The high-profile hotel is walking distance from the Holy Haram with an exit and tunnel connected directly to the new King Abdullah Gate, providing guests with easy access to Al Masjid Al Haram.

Anjum Hotel offers an array of exclusive services such as a dedicated guest centre to handle enquiries; a Manasek desk to assist guests throughout their pilgrimage; a kids world featuring a specialised, trained team to look after children between the ages of three and seven; and Azad floors and lounge which offer premium services to guests.