Latest news with #Makarem
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Makarem unveils latest standards of performance in strategic partnership with HSP Alliance
Riyadh: Makarem, one of Saudi Arabia's premier hospitality brands owned by Taiba, has launched a new set of Standards of Performance (SOPs) through a strategic partnership with HSP, the global network of expert hospitality consultants. This milestone marks a transformative step toward elevating operational excellence and delivering a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all Makarem hotels. The updated SOPs were introduced following a successful collaboration with HSP, an internationally recognized consultancy with over two decades of expertise in hospitality operations, strategic planning, and advisory services across the hotel, resort, and restaurant sectors. With a presence spanning five continents and a network of world-class experts, HSP empowers hospitality organizations to navigate complex challenges in development and operations across the broader hospitality sector. Hassan Ahdab, Chief Hospitality Operations at Taiba, stated: "The rollout of these new SOPs is central to Makarem's strategy to reinforce its leadership in the Kingdom's spiritual hospitality sector. It also reflects Taiba's firm commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's hospitality ecosystem by applying world-class standards and global best practices in property and facility management'. The newly introduced SOPs involved a comprehensive redevelopment of more than 400 standard operating procedures, covering all operational and administrative departments. These standards were aligned with Makarem Hotels' vision and its five core values, as defined by the SERVQUAL service quality model: tangibles (quality of facilities and overall appearance), reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Regarding the quality of facilities and overall appearance, Makarem places great emphasis on maintaining its properties and preserving an environment that enhances the spiritual atmosphere. In terms of reliability, Makarem is committed to delivering precise and consistent services that meet guest expectations. Responsiveness is reflected in the prompt handling of guest requests, especially during peak periods. Assurance and safety are demonstrated through the competence of staff and their adherence to safety protocols. Lastly, empathy is embodied in Makarem's dedication to providing humane service that respects the cultural and religious needs of its guests. A thorough review of hospitality standards was also conducted to ensure their integration into current operational practices and alignment with Makarem's renewed brand identity. This alignment process included several elements, such as the integration of Makarem Hotels' core values and the introduction of the concept of "guest service guardianship" as part of the terminology used in defining the standards. Al Ahdab explained that the new standards, which reflect Makarem's core values, have been adopted as a foundational pillar across several strategic areas. These include delivering a distinguished experience for pilgrims, strengthening training and institutional onboarding, enhancing the overall guest journey, reinforcing organizational culture, and unifying brand identity across all Makarem properties. Integrated within a model operational framework, these standards empower Makarem's hospitality professionals to provide an exceptional guest experience with confidence, clarity, and consistency. "The collaboration with HSP, particularly through the digital application for the operations and service teams, will enhance usability flexibility and clarify institutional terminology to ensure consistency in the vocabulary used in guest service. Additionally, we have launched a cooperative field evaluation program to strengthen integration across all departments, especially front office, accommodation, food, and beverage", Al Ahdab emphasized. Serving as a unified training reference, the SOPs enrich onboarding and development programs, particularly for frontline staff, by outlining clear procedures, service benchmarks, and professional behavior. This structured approach reduces training time and accelerates operational readiness, which is especially critical during peak seasons like Hajj, Ramadan, and other high-demand periods where speed, professionalism, and a precise response to guest needs. Beyond streamlining operations, the new standards serve as a tool for institutional alignment and brand expression. They ensure a consistent guest experience across departments such as front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage, strengthening brand cohesion, deepening customer trust, and supporting sustainable growth as Makarem expands or explores future franchising opportunities. About Makarem: Makarem Hotels, which has been operating since 1983, is a leading Saudi hotel brand in the spiritual hospitality sector, offering a unique model of hospitality services based on the values of faith and authenticity. Since its launch as the first five-star hotel in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, aiming to enrich the hospitality and accommodation experiences of pilgrims and Umrah performers, Makarem has been committed to meeting the spiritual needs of its guests in accordance with the values and principles of authentic Saudi hospitality. Today, as one of Taiba Investment's leading hospitality brands, Makarem continues to evolve by offering spiritual retreats that transcend traditional norms. All its facilities provide spaces for worship and tranquility, while offering innovative concepts, personalized services, and quality experiences customized to the modern needs and tastes of guests. Building on its deep roots in both Makkah and Madinah, Makarem is committed to positively contributing to strengthening the social fabric and economic impact of the two holy cities through supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. About Taiba Investments: Established in 1988, Taiba is a Saudi forward company in the hospitality and real estate sectors. The company has a longstanding reputation in the hotel sector, property and facility management, real estate development, and asset management. It possesses a diverse portfolio of projects comprising more than 39 establishments, including hotels, residential complexes, and commercial centers, with a total of over 7,700 keys and more than 8 additional properties under development. In 2024, the company achieved one of its most significant strategic expansions after completing the merger with Dur Hospitality, one of the largest hospitality, development, and property management companies in Saudi Arabia. This has contributed to strengthening the presence of the Taiba Investments brand across most regions of the Kingdom, particularly in the holy cities. Taiba is committed to providing exceptional hospitality and accommodation options through its portfolio of specialized Saudi brands in this field, including Al Aqeeq Hotels, Makarem Hotels, Noor by Makarem, and Dur Communities. Furthermore, its partnerships with some of the world's most renowned brands, such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Accor, enhance its ability to offer and develop a wide range of distinguished hospitality and accommodation services that cater to all categories of guests. Media contact: Taiba Investments: Mashael Alnosayan Marketing and Corporate Communication Manager Email: malnosayan@ JUMMAR PR & COMMUNICATIONS Abdullah Khairallah Media Relations Manager Email: khairallah@
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Issues Fatwa Against Donald Trump: 'Enemy of God'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring that anyone who threatens Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is "an enemy of God," state media reported. Makarem was responding to a question about any threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Israel. A fatwa is a ruling on how to interpret Islamic law issued by a clerical authority. Makarem's fatwa on threats to the Supreme Leader also extends to senior Shiite clerics known as Marja, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported. Trump had said amid Israel's strikes on Iran that he knew where Khamenei was hiding and that the Iranian leader was an "easy target," but also safe "for now". This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
News18
29-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Top Iran Cleric Declares Trump And Netanyahu 'Enemies Of God' In New Fatwa
Last Updated: Grand Ayatollah Makarem stated that support or cooperation with such figures is forbidden for Muslims One of Iran's top Shiite clerics, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them 'enemies of God" and urging Muslims worldwide to take action. The fatwa declares that anyone who threatens or attacks the leadership and authority of the Islamic Ummah (community) is considered a 'warlord" or 'criminal of mohareb," a term used in Iran's penal code for one who wages war against God. 'Any person or regime that threatens or attacks the leadership and authority in order to harm the Islamic Ummah and its sovereignty is considered a warlord," Ayatollah Makarem declared in his fatwa. Ayatollah Makarem stated that support or cooperation with such figures is forbidden for Muslims. He stressed the need for global Muslims to make Trump and Netanyahu 'regret their words and mistakes" and said they would be rewarded as ' mujahid fi sabilillah" — warriors in the path of God — if they suffered hardships, Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) reported. 'May God protect the Islamic community from the evil of the enemies and hasten the reappearance of the Master of the Age and Time," the fatwa stated. According to Iran's Islamic Penal Code, a person proven to be a mohareb may face severe punishments: execution, crucifixion, amputation of the right hand and left foot, or exile. Trump had threatened further action if Iran advanced its uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, a development that came after a fragile ceasefire halted the 12-day conflict Location : Iran First Published: June 29, 2025, 23:56 IST
UPI
30-05-2025
- Health
- UPI
Diabetes, high blood pressure combo puts more Americans at risk
A study shows that a combination of diabetes/high blood pressure threatens more American lives. Adobe stock/HealthDay Twice as many Americans now face the increased risk of death that comes from having both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, a new study reports. About 12% of the U.S. population had high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes at the same time in 2018, up from 6% in 1999, researchers reported recently in the journal Diabetes Care. Having both conditions more than doubled the risk of dying from any cause and tripled the risk of death from heart disease, compared to those without either condition, researchers found. "Even having co-existing prediabetes and elevated blood pressure was associated with up to 19% higher mortality risk, compared to having neither or either of these risk states," said senior researcher Nour Makarem, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. "This suggests that the increase in risk of dying commences before levels of blood glucose and blood pressure progress to Type 2 diabetes and hypertension," she said in a news release. For the study, researchers analyzed data for nearly 49,000 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2018. Conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, the survey includes health exams and lab tests to check the health of participants. "A striking finding is that the burden of co-existing hypertension and type 2 diabetes nearly doubled over the study period," Makarem said. "Overall, about two-thirds of participants with diabetes also had hypertension, and about a quarter of adults with hypertension had concurrent diabetes." About a third of people with both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes died during a median follow-up of about nine years, researchers found. (Median means half died sooner, half later.) By comparison, 20% of those with only type 2 diabetes and 22% of those with only high blood pressure died. Just 6% of people with neither chronic health problem died. Overall, the study concluded that: Compared to having high blood pressure only, having both conditions increased risk of premature death from any cause by 66% and heart-related death by 54%. Compared to having type 2 diabetes only, having both increased risk of premature death by 25% and more than doubled the risk of heart-related death. "This underscores the urgent need for public health strategies to effectively prevent and manage these conditions and reverse these adverse trends," Makarem said. More information The American Diabetes Association has more on diabetes and high blood pressure. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Syyaha
25-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Makarem Honors Its Partners in Success from Leading Travel Agencies To Strengthen Its Leadership in Spiritual Hospitality
Makarem Hotels, a leading Saudi brand specializing in spiritual hospitality, celebrated its valued travel and tourism partners in a distinguished gathering held at Makarem Ajyad Hotel in Makkah for their role in supporting Makarem's continued leadership and excellence. The event brought together more than 100 guests, including senior representatives from the Kingdom's most prominent travel agencies. The recognition underscored the significant role of travel and tourism partners in helping Makarem deliver a seamless and spiritually enriching experience of visiting the Holy Cities, reinforcing Makarem's position as a premier provider of spiritual hospitality services in Makkah and Madinah. Amr Al Sunari, Regional General Manager for Makarem Makkah & Dur Hospitality for Hajj at Taiba Investments, commented: 'At Makarem, we firmly believe that our partners are integral to our journey of success. This gathering reflects our deep appreciation for their collaboration and marks a key step in strengthening our partnerships as we present our renewed vision for the future of spiritual hospitality'. The guests included several of Makarem's most prominent partners from leading local travel agencies, reflecting the strong collaborative partnerships built on mutual trust and shared success. Opened with a warm welcome reception, Makarem embodied the values of generosity and graciousness. Guests were then treated to an exclusive screening of the brand's new identity film, 'A Journey to the Origins.' The film showcased a refreshed visual identity and future-forward vision that blend authenticity with innovation while staying true to Makarem's spiritual hospitality roots. A key highlight of the recognition party was a premium lunch at Zamzam Restaurant, one of Makarem Ajyad's culinary landmarks, where a curated selection of oriental and international dishes highlighted the brand's commitment to exceptional hospitality and service standards. The gathering concluded in an engaging atmosphere that fostered idea exchange and strengthened relationships, a reflection of Makarem's ongoing commitment to building sustainable strategic partnerships founded on trust and mutual respect. It also underscores the brand's continuous advancement in the spiritual hospitality by delivering exceptional guest experiences that meet the needs of pilgrims, while aligning with Vision 2030's goal of positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism destination and enhancing the quality of services provided. Makarem is one of the hospitality brands under Taiba Investments. Taiba manages currently over 7,700 hotel rooms across the Kingdom and is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with leading global brands. This effort aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's capacity to attract visitors from around the world and solidify its position as one of the world's premier tourism destinations
