Leading global hotel brand Marriott International has signed an agreement to open a St. Regis in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, a statement by the company said, as the country pushes with efforts to lure investors to the administrative and financial hub. According to the statement, in the second quarter of 2020, the St. Regis Almasa is expected to occupy the existing Almasa Royal Palace, a luxury hotel located at the entrance of the new capital. “We are delighted to be working with the National Authority for Management and Investment on this exceptional conversion opportunity to bring St. Regis to Egypt's New Administrative Capital,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This signing further enhances the St. Regis brand portfolio in the Middle East and Africa and underscores the tremendous momentum that our luxury brands have in the region," he added. Waleed Samy Salama, CEO, National Authority for Management and Investment, said the St. Regis Almasa will be positioned as the luxury hospitality hub in the New Administrative Capital and with the largest state-of-the-art convention centre in Egypt. The hotel consists of 270 rooms, 90 suites, 60 apartments and 14 villas. Other facilities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, spa, a club house and 20 food and beverage outlets. The St. Regis Almasa is expected to have the hallmarks of the brand such as its rich traditions and rituals, and the signature St. Regis Butler Service, according to the statement. Construction on the new city, located approximately 45km east of Cairo, began in 2015 as part of the government's plan to reduce pressure on the existing overpopulated capital, expand urban areas and develop the nation's infrastructure. It is being built over 714 square kilometres by tens of thousands of workers, and will be home to a government housing district, 29 ministries and other state institutions – including the cabinet and parliament buildings – and 20 residential neighbourhoods that can accommodate 6.5 million people. The government is planning to relocate ministries to the new capital by mid-2020.
