Interview with Eng. Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO of Thakher Development Company

1. "With the Hajj season fast approaching, how does the Thakher Makkah project specifically cater to the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and what unique features or services have been implemented to enhance their pilgrimage experience?

With an approximated distance of 1 km from the Holy Masjid (Haram), and a few kilometers away from the holy sites of Muzdalifah, Mina and Arafat. Thakher Makkah’s strategic location provides exceptional options and opportunities for pilgrims, Umrah performers, general visitors to Makkah and investors.  

Additionally, the project’s strategic location and connections to the most important highways enable investors and visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and general visitors to Makkah, to reach the Holy Masjid (Haram) within approximately one hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after going through low level of congestion. In addition to its connection to Al Masjid Al Haram Road , and Al-Hujun tunnel.

We also strive to enhance visitors’ spiritual experience, for example “Novotel Residencies Makkah” tower is designed to meet the needs of Makkah’s visitors, and in particular pilgrims and Umrah performers while exceptional services are tailored to meet their unique requirements, ensuring a truly enriching spiritual experience.

2. How does the Thakher Makkah project align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, particularly in terms of accommodating pilgrims?

Through Thakher Makkah’s project big area and variety of hospitality options (hotels, residential, commercial) and typical urban plan that create a quality and humanization of life, Thakher project by the time of all development phases completed will host more than 1.6M visitors and pilgrims through which will support the objectives of Vision 2030 to host 30 million Umrah performers and 6  million pilgrims by 2030. 

This is through enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers and enriching their experience, so the contemporary and distinctive development of the project perfectly meets the aspirations of visitors and investors. The project also contributes to creating an attractive and sustainable environment for business.

3. Could you elaborate on the types of residential units available in the Novotel Residences Makkah and their key features?

“Novotel Residences Makkah” project caters to the needs of the real estate market by offering a variety of apartment types and sizes, including studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments. It's important to note that these apartments come fully furnished and equipped for immediate residence and use.

In addition, residents can unwind in state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to a comfortable stay, including a gym, swimming pool, and secure parking area.

4. Are there any upcoming phases or future developments planned within the Thakher Makkah project?

Our main objective now is focused on the completion of the second phase of the project by 2024. The business success is measured by our commitment in delivering the project according to the timelines set and providing unprecedented high-quality services and opportunities to investors and visitors. 

Upon completion, the project will include about 100 land plots of various uses for hotels, residential, commercial, and service-related areas. Residential and hotel apartments units will be available in various categories, and the units will be also available for ownership. Among the international hotels in the Thakher Makkah, there are the Radisson Hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, Hilton Garden Inn & Embassy Suites by Hilton, and the Novotel Hotel, the largest in the world in terms of rooms number.

5. How does Thakher Development plan to continue supporting the needs of the real estate market in Makkah?

The delivery of the tower units at 'Novotel Residences Makkah' indicates a significant achievement for Thakher Development Company, affirming its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality projects on schedule. This commitment further enhances its position as a leading developer in the Holy City of Makkah, dedicated to meeting the demands of the real estate market and catering to the needs of visitors.

The Novotel Residences Makkah tower transcends being merely a hospitality project; it also stands as a strategic investment that yields economic and social benefits in both the short and long term.

6. What are your long-term goals for Thakher Development in the context of contributing to Makkah’s urban development?

Thakher Makkah project aims to contribute to raising the level of accommodation services in the Holy city of Makkah, while creating an attractive and sustainable environment for both businesses and the community by providing more than 30,000 jobs.

By offering world-class units, high-quality infrastructure, and a range of services, the “Novotel Residences Makkah” tower, along with other projects by Thakher Company, contributes to attracting a larger number of visitors to the Holy City of Makkah. Additionally, it creates new job opportunities, thereby enhancing the local economy in accordance with the objectives of Vision 2030.