Safir Hotell’s Top Management consisting of Chairman Sheikh Fadel Al Sabah, Vice Chairman Fawzi K Al Musallam and CEO Helmut Meckelburg have returned from Aleppo Syria where they signed a new management and cooperation agreement between Safir Hotels & Resorts and Abdullah A. Shami, Chairman of Shami Group for Tourist Investment to manage the 5 Star Safir Al Shami Hotel in Aleppo. The hotel is being constructed in record time to be opened in early 2012.

The new Safir Hotel Aleppo will feature 158 luxury rooms, incl. 20 Suites, an all day dining restaurant, a roof top pool and garden restaurant, a ballroom offering space for up to 500 guests, In Room Dining, a shopping arcade, a Health Club and a Movie theater.

The hotel is located in one of Aleppo’s new and upcoming residential Villa Area and approximately 10 minutes away from the airport and the City Center.

CEO Meckelburg, who has repeatedly emphasized on Aleppo’s potential as an upcoming tourist destination with its famous Zouq and the world famous Citadel indicates intentions to expand Safir Hotels exposure beyond Aleppo and is presently negotiating additional management contracts in Syria but also keeps his eyes on Iraq and Turkey where new opportunities can be found.

Safir opened a 400 room Hotel in Kerbala Iraq 3 month ago. The hotel operates at above 70% occupancy which is impressive for a newly opened hotel in a rather challenging location.

Safir Hotels and Resorts finished the financial year 2009 with a record 40% increase in profits over budget is committed to grow substantially in the years ahead. Its revival as a brand which delivers superior results to owners is one prime objective. Its entry into the 5 star segment a strategic necessity, says Meckelburg and related work on a brand architecture are progressing fast.

Our commitment to growth, superior returns to owners and premium quality to our guests form part of our brand revival and ability to compete in the market place. We are a 100% Arabic Company with substantial resources. Based in Kuwait Safir will expand its presence in the next few years into all Key Cities of the Mena Region and beyond.

Safir Hotels manages Hotels in Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria and Oman. Under development are projects in Morocco, the UAE, Sudan, Iran, Malaysia and Indonesia, Turkey and India. Safir Hotels is a 100% subsidiary of Kuwait Hotels Company.