DUBAI – The Ascott Limited this week hosted its annual KSA Roadshow at two of its properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ascott Sari Jeddah and Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh. The events formed part of Ascott’s ongoing efforts across its KSA cluster – including four properties in Jeddah, one in Riyadh and one that is soon to open in Al-Khobar- to support the Saudi Vision 2030 of a thriving economy.
In the spirit of uplifting the community and contributing to worthy causes, Ascott Sari Jeddah paid homage to the vibrant KSA culture by inviting the Makkah-based Hand Craft Association to showcase its exquisite craftsmanship at the boutique-sized property. Located in the fashionable Sari neighborhood and offering high-class living for the discerning traveller, Ascott Sari Jeddah displayed more than 100 unique handcrafted items, including prayer mats, artworks and gift items.
Providing a pillar of support to the nation’s talented youth, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh invited 15 young Saudi nationals with start-up businesses to participate in a seminar hosted at the luxurious and centrally located Riyadh property. The goal was to help talented Saudi youth to take initiative and allow them to unlock potential business opportunities, thereby broadening the country’s economic base.
The event, organized under the slogan ‘Himmat Shabab Twaq’, was attended by Singapore’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Wong Chow Ming, and allowed the aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and creativity to top corporates and potential sponsors. Start-up business ideas covered a range of industries, including sport, entertainment, event management, hospitality, art, photography, food and beverage, business management and entrepreneurship.
Commenting on the 2019 KSA Roadshow activities, Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “The two events hosted in Jeddah and Riyadh welcomed more than 250 guests, providing aspiring local youth and charitable organisations with the opportunity to get their foot through the door and positively impact their lives, the community and the local economy. The Ascott Limited is committed to creating activities that benefit the communities in which it operates. We are proud to host initiatives within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that work towards achieving the region’s ambitious goals of the future.”
Ascott currently has five properties in operation throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah and Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh. Several properties are in the pipeline for the region for 2020 including Ascott Corniche Al-Khobar, Somerset Downtown Al Khobar and Ascott Villas Riyadh. — SG