91 Hectares for Pilgrims
The number of pilgrims performing the annual hajj to Mecca (Saudi Arabia), is close to 4 million people. It is expected that in the coming years to carry Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in the country will come to about 5 million believers. However, according to a recent report by Bloomberg, the welfare gains contribute to the demand for high standards of living for pilgrims coming to the hajj. This attracts investment in the local hospitality business and forces the authorities to reflect on the urban space development. Thus, Hilton Worldwide Inc. owned by Blackstone Group LP, plans to more than double the number of its hotels in Saudi Arabia - up to 14, including 6 to open in Mecca. The British hotel chain InterContinental in the next 3 - 5 years will increase the number of its rooms in the country by 50% - up to 7300. Contracts have been signed for a major new urban design scheme in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. White Sky Group | Gewers & Pudewill finalized contracts with AlFayadh Consultants and Jadwa Investment (both Riyadhbased firms) for a 91 hectare development and masterplanning project. White Sky Group | Gewers & Pudewill is a Berlin-based company which was formed specifically for this scheme, placing first in a fierce competition for the project in which Foster + Partners was a contender. Feasibility studies have already been carried out and the development is expected to comprise 3 million sq m of prime mixed-use building space.
White Sky Group Gewers & Pudewil