Marriott International Inks Landmark Agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to Open Eight Hotels in Saudi Arabia
Anticipated projects will add nearly 4,400 rooms in the Holy City of Madinah
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight hotels in the Holy City of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Prophets Mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi, the planned properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah Project which aims to elevate the service and travel experience for visitors of Madinah. The anticipated openings will feature approximately 4,400 rooms across eight of the companys brands The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Mridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott.
There is a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation in Madinah and we are delighted to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to support the enhancement and diversification of the citys hospitality landscape, said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. This multi-deal agreement also strengthens our footprint in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see strong growth momentum in line with the Kingdoms vision for its tourism sector.
The agreement with one of the worlds leading hospitality operators brings the Rua Al Madinah project a step closer to realising its ambitions to further enrich Madinah citys Hajj and Umrah services” commented Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company. This collaboration will culminate in the launch of eight new hotels and nearly 4.400 rooms that will serve both residents as well as visitors from around the world looking to visit Madinah.
The eight planned properties includeThe Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinahwhich is slated to offer151 luxurious rooms and suites including a signature Ritz-Carlton suite, multiple dining concepts, a 500-sqm ballroom, an expansive fitness centre and Ritz Kids space.JW Marriott Rua Al Madinahis anticipated to feature 252 well-appointed guestrooms and suites along with multiple dining concepts, a fitness centre and meeting room facilities.
Plans forMadinah Marriott Hotel Rua Al Madinahinclude450spaciousguest rooms and suites in addition to dining, recreation, and meeting facilities.Le Mridien Rua Al Madinahis expected tofeature 533 modern guest rooms and suites, and three dining concepts alongside recreation and meeting facilities.The Westin Rua Al Madinahis anticipated to comprise 361 spacious rooms and suites, three dining outlets, a fitness centre, a kids club, and meeting facilities.
Four Points by Sheraton Rua Al Madinahanticipates 777 modern rooms and apartments, two all-day dining concepts, spacious meeting facilities, and a fitness centre.Aloft Rua Al MadinahandCourtyard by Marriott Rua Al Madinahare expected to offer a combined 1,810 rooms and suites, 1,100 sqm of meeting space facilities, and multiple dining and recreation offerings.
The expected openings in Madinah are part of Marriott Internationals commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia where the companys current portfolio encompasses 36 properties and more than 10,000 rooms across 11 of its brands.
Rua Al Madinah Holding Company is responsible for the development masterplan for the Rua Al Madinah project and some other real estate projects in the Holy City of Madinah as one of the key initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve Saudi Arabias Vision 2030. The development of the Rua Al Madinah Project is expected to cover 1.5 million square meters, including 47,000 new rooms by 2030. Approximately 63% of the projects master plan will consist of open spaces. Integrated transportation solutions such as bus stops, and underground parking are anticipated to facilitate easy access to the Prophets Mosque and support residential and commercial activity within the master development.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,300 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website atwww.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us onFacebookand @MarriottIntl onTwitterandInstagram.
About Rua Al Madinah Holding
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, Rua Al Madinah Holding undertakes holistic development projects that feature modern urban planning to elevate the experience of residents and visitors of Madinah, the home to countless Islamic monuments that tell the story of the Prophet (PBUH) and his revered companions. The company aims to elevate Madinah as a modern Islamic and cultural destination.
With a capital of SAR2.99 billion, Rua Al Madinah Holding aims to develop a comprehensive hospitality and retail ecosystem that further enhances the inclusive and communal nature of Madinah. Through diverse development projects and an ultramodern infrastructure that enrich the experience of both residents and visitors, the companys driving vision is to improve the quality of infrastructure and services according to the highest international standards. Rua Al Madinah Holdings strategy is fully aligned with the Public Investment Funds efforts to develop and enable promising sectors and help accomplish the Vision 2030 objective of bringing 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to the Kingdom by the year 2030.
As U.S. healthcare employers confront major staffing challenges, the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices, a division of CGFNS International, Inc. (CGFNS), has updated and strengthened its ethical recruitment code, which establishes best practice standards for fair and transparent recruitment of foreign-educated health professionals into the U.S. It comes at a time when a growing global health worker shortage has left health systems struggling to fill vacancies and considering a variety of options, including sometimes turning to recruiting trained professionals from abroad. In the past five years, CGFNS has seen a doubling of its applications from foreign-trained health workers who are seeking eligibility to work in the U.S. This trend has raised further concerns about ensuring that international recruitment practices are ethical, that they protect the rights of migrating health workers while establishing their obligations, and that recruiting agencies and employers are held accountable in the process. First published in 2008, the Alliance Code is reviewed and updated every five years to adapt to changes in the recruitment landscape and ensure its provisions continue to address basic rights and responsibilities of both migrating health professionals and those who recruit them to work in the U.S. The Code provides guidelines for recruitment agencies and employers, addressing migrant rights including the right to receive a fair contract, to provide informed consent and to access justice. The Code has been voluntarily adopted by 12 firms that collectively recruit thousands of employees each year and that have undergone the Alliance’s rigorous certification process, including a contract review and health professional survey. A list of recruitment firms that have been certified as in compliance with the Alliance Code can be found here. https://www.cgfnsalliance.org/certification_process/view-certified-recruiters/ The 2023 Alliance Code is being released after a year of internal and external review by the Alliance’s Board of Governors. “With the recent pandemic having further driven the growth in global demand for nurses and other health workers, there is increasing concern about ensuring that international recruitment processes are ethical and sustainable,” said Alliance Director, Mukul Bakhshi, JD. “This updated 2023 Code reflects recent changes in the recruiting landscape, and we hope it will help push the industry forward in ensuring that recruitment practices are fair and respect basic rights.” “Our organization has been engaged in the work of the Alliance since its inception and fully endorses the Alliance Code,” said AONL Chief Executive Officer, Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). “A fair and equitable process of recruiting foreign-educated nurses is foundational to achieving a professional practice environment for all nurses. We remain committed to the advancement of high standards of treatment for all staff.” “As the global leader in international credentials evaluation to support health worker mobility, at CGFNS we know that health worker migration into the U.S. brings individuals with critical skills to provide life-saving care. With the shortage persisting and employers stepping up their recruitment of foreign-trained nurses and other health workers, we must all work together to provide better protections to prevent exploitation,” said CGFNS President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Preziosi, PhD, RN, CAE. “We are proud of our work through the Alliance to continue to do our part to support nurses coming into the U.S.” About CGFNS International, Inc. Founded in 1977 and based in Philadelphia, CGFNS International is an immigration-neutral not-for-profit organization, proudly serving as the world’s largest credentials evaluation organization for the nursing and allied health professions. For more information, visit www.cgfns.org. About The Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices Since 2008, the Alliance has fostered compliance to standards that advocate responsible, ethical, and transparent recruitment practices in the health care sector. The Alliance monitors certified recruitment organizations and verifies their processes to ensure that these standards are upheld and provides foreign-educated professionals resources to make informed decisions. The Alliance became a division of CGFNS International, Inc., in September 2014. For more information, visit www.cgfnsalliance.org. Contact Information:
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it will release the C+walk S, a pedestrian-mobility-assistance model that is the second in the new C+walk mobility series. The C+walk S will go on sale at Toyota automobile dealers and be offered at rental and leasing stores from March 20, 2023(1). In addition, Toyota has also improved the standing-type model C+walk T(2) as well as the C+pod(3). The C+walk T will go on sale in May(1) as a model that can operate on sidewalks along public roads in compliance with the revision of the Road Traffic Act that will take effect in April. C+pod became available for lease contracts on March 20(1). Mobility for All Against a background of Japan’s aging population, it was reported in a survey that approximately 20% of those aged 75 or older listed 100 m as the distance they could walk without difficulties(4). It was also reported that the percentage of those aged 75 or older who go out was 10% lower than those under the age of 65, and those without a driver’s license go out approximately 20% even less frequently(5). Physical ability tends to decline with age, which limits daily activities such as shopping and going out(6). Toyota has continued to provide customers with a variety of options to bring “Mobility for All.” It offers mobility options to suit each customer’s stage of life, from the C+pod, which can be used easily as local transportation, to the C+walk series, which can be used on sidewalks. At the heart of this approach is the creation of a better mobility society centered on people. Toyota intends to expand the spheres of activity of their users, support their independence, and bring joy to as many people as possible. Toyota is also working with corporations and local governments to research a new business model using the C+pod and C+walk series to address the needs of local communities together with Toyota dealers. For example, in cooperation with the local government, C+walk S has been used as a means to help residents and tourists move around Hanawa Town Station in Fukushima Prefecture since around April. Toyota will explore the potential of using these mobility vehicles to complement regional transportation in order to achieve a better mobility society. Click here to view Toyota’s message for spreading new mobility (Japanese Only): C+walk S The C+walk S assists people who can walk on their own but have difficulty walking long distances and for long periods of time. It is a three-wheeled mobility vehicle that can travel on sidewalks(7) and easily assess the road surface conditions ahead. The C+walk S shares the form of the C+walk series, which blends in with its surroundings and the city, and travels at typical human walking speeds(8). It is designed so that it is comfortable to use in walking areas, facilitating side-by-side travel and communication with fellow pedestrians. The C+walk S is also equipped with obstacle detection safety functions that help avoid collisions with obstacles or pedestrians ahead. The C+walk T will undergo a size and maximum speed update in order to comply with requirements for small and slow mobility(9) that can be operated on sidewalks (public roads). The C+pod has also been enhanced through updates to the braking sensation when stepping on the brake pedal in addition to regulatory compliance. (1) The C+walk S will not be offered at all dealers and stores. For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/38947604.html.
Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network. The mixer, which will begin at 6:30 PM and run until 9:30 PM, will offer attendees the chance to meet and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and informal setting. The event is being organized by a group of industry professionals who understand the importance of networking and building relationships in the competitive world of film and television.
“We wanted to create a space where people could come together, share ideas, and make meaningful connections,” said founder, Daron Jenkins. “We know how important it is to have a strong network in this industry, and we’re excited to help facilitate those connections.”
The mixer will feature a cash bar and opportunities for attendees to promote their work and discuss potential collaborations. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and any materials related to their current projects.
“We want this to be a fun and productive evening for everyone involved,” said Daron Jenkins. “Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or just starting out, we hope this event will provide you with valuable connections and opportunities.”
Tickets for the event are only $15 and can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite (https://link.heropost.io/april27mixer) in advance. For more information about the event, please contact the organizers at www.nyfilmtv.com or via DM on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nyfilmtv.
About New York Film/TV Collective
About The Globe ### With U.S. Health Systems Under Growing Pressure to Fill Staff Vacancies, CGFNS Alliance Releases Updated Standards for Ethical Recruitment of Foreign Health Workers
The fourth edition of the Health Care Code for Ethical International Recruitment and Employment Practices, known as the “Alliance Code,” strengthens recommendations around contract transparency and orientation programs. The Alliance Code was developed by a multistakeholder group representing interests across the sector, including employers, unions, recruiters, and representative nurse organizations.
Mukul Bakhshi, Esq.
Chief of Strategy and Government Affairs
mbakhshi@cgfns.org
(215) 243-5825Japan – Toyota Launches the C+walk S in Japan, a New Form of Walking-Assistance Mobility
https://toyota.jp/personalmobility/
(2) The first standing-type model in the C+walk series went on sale in October 2021. Traditional models cannot operate on sidewalks (public roads).
(3) Changed to lease contracts in December 2021.
(4) Distance that can be walked without rest or difficulties by older adults/non-older adults, from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Handout from the 1st Study Group on Ensuring Mobility for Older Adults, “Characteristics of Living and Going Out Amongst Older Adults”
(5) Going out rate by older adults/non-older adults and driver’s license ownership, surveyed by whether the respondent had gone out on the day of the survey (weekday), from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Handout from the 1st Study Group on Ensuring Mobility for Older Adults, “Characteristics of Living and Going Out Amongst Older Adults”
(6) From the Toyota Transportation Research Institute’s Toyota City Policy Proposal “Proposal for the Creation of a Welfare Town”
(7) C+walk S falls under the electric wheelchair classification of the Road Traffic Act and is treated as a pedestrian.
(8) Users can set the C+walk S’s maximum traveling speed via a speed adjustment switch. C+walk S has six different speed settings from 1 to 6 km/h.
(9) One of the new classifications in the revised Road Traffic Act that will take effect in April 2023. Small and slow mobility are affixed with a certification mark (sticker). They are treated as pedestrians under the Road Traffic Act (cannot travel on roadways). Vehicle requirements: Within 120 cm (length) x 70 cm (width) x 120 cm (height) (equivalent to electric wheelchairs), maximum speed of 6 km/h or less, etc.Film and TV Networking Mixer to Take Place on March 27 at The Globe in New York City
NY Film/TV Collective brings together creatives working to produce, write, direct, shoot, and edit content for the screen. Founded by Daron Jenkins, NY Film/TV Collective the goal is to build a cohesive community of like-minded creators that are interested in sharing thoughts, and ideas, and promoting collaboration. To that end, we program member events and provide opportunities for networking to help you build both business and social relationships.
The Globe is a popular venue in New York City known for its welcoming atmosphere and great location. The venue offers a full bar and menu, making it the perfect spot for after-work drinks and casual gatherings. Learn more about The Globe at https://www.theglobeny.com
