Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Jumeirah Group steps into the hospitality landscape of Saudi Arabia, with Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. This significant opening marks Jumeirah’s first venture into the Kingdom, promising a unique blend of luxury and spiritual enrichment tailored to meet the needs of pilgrims from around the globe, particularly Indian pilgrims visiting Makkah. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Rizwan Shaikh, General Manager, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah shares his vision for the hotel, strategies to cater to the diverse needs of guests, and the innovative offerings that set Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah apart in the competitive hospitality sector.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is a significant opening for Jumeirah Group, marking its first venture into Saudi Arabia. Can you tell us a bit about your vision for the hotel and how it will cater to the specific needs of pilgrims, especially Indian pilgrims visiting Makkah?
Our vision for Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is to create an unparalleled hospitality experience that meets the unique needs of pilgrims visiting Makkah. We aim to provide a serene and spiritually enriching environment, ensuring that every aspect of our service reflects the significance of their journey. Our focus is on offering luxurious accommodations, personalized services, and cultural sensitivity to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
With a growing number of Indian travelers embarking on religious journeys, what strategies are in place to cater to their specific needs and preferences?
To cater to the growing number of Indian travelers embarking on religious journeys, we have implemented several strategies. We offer multilingual staff and materials in multiple languages, including Hindi, to assist with communication. Our dining options include a variety of Indian cuisines to make our guests feel at home. Additionally, we provide special prayer facilities and arrange guided religious tours to ensure that their spiritual needs are fully met.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah offers both luxury accommodations and spacious residences. Can you elaborate on the concept of offering bookable floors for maximum privacy and the exclusive residences with terraces overlooking the Grand Mosque?
At Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah, we offer luxury accommodations alongside spacious residences with terraces overlooking the Grand Mosque. The concept of bookable floors for maximum privacy caters to the needs of larger groups and families, providing them with an exclusive and comfortable environment. These residences are designed to offer a home-like atmosphere with all the luxuries of a five-star hotel.
What kind of guests do you anticipate utilising the premium offerings of the hotel?
We anticipate that our premium offerings will attract a diverse range of guests, coming from all over the world with a focus on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, other GCC countries, India, and East Asia. This includes high-profile individuals, families seeking privacy, and groups on pilgrimage. These guests will appreciate the blend of luxury, privacy, and proximity to the Grand Mosque, making their stay both comfortable and spiritually fulfilling.
How will these options enhance the overall pilgrimage experience?
Our premium accommodations enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing a tranquil and luxurious environment where guests can reflect and rejuvenate. The exclusive terraces with views of the Grand Mosque offer a unique space for prayer and contemplation, adding a profound dimension to their spiritual journey.
Are there any specific challenges or opportunities that you foresee in catering to the Saudi Arabian market?
Catering to the Saudi Arabian market presents both challenges and opportunities. The key challenge is ensuring that our services are culturally sensitive and aligned with local customs. However, this also provides an opportunity to innovate and set new standards in luxury hospitality. We are committed to respecting and integrating local traditions while delivering the exceptional service that Jumeirah is known for. We also focus on the ease of visa issuance to Saudi Arabia and aligning our hotel initiatives with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as well as the holy city’s direction to attract more pilgrims to visit.
How will the hotel’s dining options cater to the international clientele while also incorporating regional flavors?
Our hotel’s dining options are designed to cater to an international clientele while incorporating regional flavors. We offer a variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Our chefs are skilled in blending international culinary techniques with local ingredients to create unique and memorable dining experiences. Our dining venues include:
• Patras: Mediterranean all-day dining with a focus on Levantine, North African, and South European flavours.
• Huwang: All-day dining with a focus on Asian flavours.
• Omariyah: All-day dining with a focus on Arabian flavours.
• Adrak: Indian-Pakistani cuisine, offering an à la carte experience.
• We also provide 24-hour in-room/suite dining for our guests’ convenience.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah is still under development with additional towers planned. What can you tell us about the future phases of the project and the overall vision for the completed resort?
We are proud to announce the successful opening of all four towers of Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. This milestone marks the completion of our initial development phase, providing a comprehensive hospitality destination that offers unmatched luxury and convenience. Now the hotel has 1121 keys, varying between rooms, suites, and fully serviced residences with direct views and access to Masjid Al Haram, and 8 dining experiences. Each tower is designed to cater to the diverse needs of our guests, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort, privacy, and spiritual enrichment. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate and enhance our services to maintain our position at the forefront of the hospitality industry in Makkah.
