Saudi Arabia: Luxury hotel management company General Hotel Management (GHM) has been selected by The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to operate The Chedi Hegra when it opens in Q4 2023.
The Chedi Hegra is situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and will offer 35 guest rooms. It is directly built into existing structures, including an old railway station and surrounding buildings, Hegra Fort, and others. Structural and exterior walls, some with historical mud-brick construction, are being preserved and integrated with modern architecture.
RCU will also ensure that the design and construction of the property aligns with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla. Where possible, the project will use local construction materials and work with local businesses and labour. When complete, the hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs.
Amenities at The Chedi Hegra include three fine-dining restaurants, a café, and a full-service spa and pool. One of the restaurants, located inside the old railway station, will feature an exhibition of artefacts, including a fully restored train. Another will be located within the Hegra Fort.
John Northen, RCU vice president of hotels and resorts, said: “Sitting at the nexus of AlUla’s living museum, The Chedi Hegra embodies the fulfilment of our ‘Journey Through Time’ master plan with its deep respect for heritage, sustainable design features, and an authentic luxury experience that celebrates what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure.”
Tommy Lai, CEO of GHM, said: “GHM is thrilled to introduce this luxurious heritage boutique hotel that will offer authentic, unrivalled lifestyle experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra. As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserve the site’s integrity while seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comforts.
“I am certain that guests will recognise and appreciate the value we place in minimising our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the legacy of Hegra – a true GHM hallmark of creating inspired spaces,” Lai added.
