EGYPT— Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it has signed an agreement to open a St. Regis hotel brand in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, just outside of Cairo.

Marriot signed the deal with owners of the Almasa Royal Palace, a hotel located adjacent to a 42,000-square-foot convention center that hosts official government conventions and events, as well as official foreign presidents’ visits.

The deal will see the international hotel chain operator rebrand the existing hotel which consists of 270 rooms, 90 suites, 60 apartments and 14 villas to St. Regis Almasa .

Other facilities at the hotel include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, spa, club house and 20 food and beverage outlets.

“We are delighted to be working with the National Authority for Management & 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 Middle East and Africa and underscores the tremendous momentum that our luxury brands have in the region.”

Speaking during the signing, Colonel Waleed Samy Salama, CEO, National Authority for Management & Investment commented 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 center in Egypt.”

Col. Salama further noted that the hotel will be the ideal host to the country’s largest events, conferences and summits.

“We are confident that this deal signing will play a vital role in the development of tourism in Egypt.”

With the population of greater Cairo expected to double in the next few decades, the government in Egypt announced plans to build the New Administrative Capital. 

Marriot said that the rebranding will be carried through a phased approach where areas across the hotel will undergo rebranding to deliver an on-brand experience in New Cairo whilst remaining open to guests.

When it opens, the St. Regis Almasa is expected to encompass the hallmarks of the brand such as its rich traditions and rituals, and signature St. Regis Butler Service.