Kifah Bin Hussein, General Manager of Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah: Taking care of ourselves and the people around us drives everything we believe in and do
?What distinguishes Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah from other hotels
One of the most important features of the hotel is the professional staff; their commitment and flexibility to give the highest level of service. Despite wearing masks and not being able to show a smile, they are able to spread positivity by providing all kinds of support and assistance to the hotel’s guests and visitors. Undoubtedly, Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah is one of the most important hotels in Makkah due to its strategic location in the heart of the Holy city; it is only one-minute away from Al-Masjid al-Haram. It spans over 19 floors, featuring 656 rooms and 25 luxurious suites in addition to 18 villas and 2 penthouses. All rooms offer rich textures, designer décor, and fine contemporary furnishings as well as the latest services and facilities. Each guestroom has been thoughtfully designed for the fulfillment of religious duties.
?How has the pandemic affected hotel occupancy rates
Without a doubt, this crisis has a global impact, and what is happening in Makkah is not much different from what is happening in other countries of the world. The hotel and hospitality sector in Makkah was subjected to extensive damage in the year 2020, by reduced occupancy rates and profits due to the pandemic. The suspension of international travel impacted the hotel, but as soon as the restrictions imposed on international travel are relaxed and the volume of demand for performing religious rituals increases, we expect a kind of recovery in the second half of 2022, because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in a better position compared to others in terms of controlling the crisis. Further, the speed at which are providing vaccines and health care services in general, and the quality of our digital infrastructure and the availability of digital services will help to attract guests.
What are your expectations for the hotel and hospitality sector in Makkah al-Mukarramah during 2022
We cannot determine how long this crisis will last, but we can take some measures that will limit its repercussions. At the hotel level, all precautionary measures are adhered to with the application of health protocols required to ensure the safety of inns, and we provide the maximum protection based on the directives of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism. We are proud that Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah has a great role and a clear imprint in serving the pilgrims. Despite all the challenges and changes that the hospitality sector has witnessed, we are determined to stay at the top through innovative and carefully prepared strategies and plans aimed at providing all the needs and requirements necessary to achieve the highest safety standards with comfort, sophistication and distinction.
?What are your plans to receive the holy month of Ramadan in 2022
Makkah is considered one of the most important religious destinations of all; it is the destination of millions of pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims annually. Therefore, we focus on promoting future innovation plans and smart marketing to make Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah the best hotel in Makkah. We are also working on developing work-based mechanisms based on deliberate plans in order to maintain and upgrade the level of service to attract the largest number of visitors and guests of the Holy House of God.
?What is the strategy used by Mr. Kifah in management and leadership
I am a person who believes in developing and nurturing talent. I try to encourage my team members to excel in everything they do because nurturing ourselves and the people around us is the driving force of everything we believe in and do.
?What are the most prominent features that hotel guests enjoy
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel is the perfect choice and a favorite place for pilgrims because of its excellent location within the Jabal Omar project, where it is just steps away from Al-Masjid al-Haram with easy access to King Fahad Gate. Here, there is a chapel for men and another for women with a view of the courtyards of Al-Masjid al-Haram with the direct audio transmission of all the prayers. Guests can enjoy other facilities, such as an enjoyable shopping experience at the shopping center, which includes many shops and restaurants. The hotel also has a business center with the latest facilities in addition to a fitness center with separate sections for men and women. The hotel has won many international awards in the field of hotels and hospitality, so I can say that Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah is of a highly civilized style.
