Latest news with #MarloesKnippenberg


Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Baraka and Kerten Hospitality partner to launch The House Residence at Al Salam District in Jeddah - Middle East Business News and Information
Riyadh, 13 May 2025 – In a strategic move to bring soulful, modern living to the forefront of Jeddah's urban landscape, Baraka for Real Estate Development and Investment Company Ltd has signed a milestone agreement with global lifestyle hospitality operator Kerten Hospitality to launch The House Residence Al Salam District in Jeddah. The announcement was made yesterday at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The House Residence is set within Al Salam District, Baraka's flagship mixed-use development spanning 45,000 square meters of land. This marks a pivotal step in realising the company's long-term vision of community-driven, culturally rich destinations that transform how people live, work, and connect. 'At Baraka, our purpose is to shape urban spaces that are deeply human, where design meets purpose, and where community and culture define the experience,' said Ebrahim Alqassab, Projects Director at Baraka. 'Al Salam District is not just a development; it is a statement of our belief in building vibrant, sustainable environments. The House Residence Al Salam District is a key expression of this vision and a major milestone in our journey toward redefining urban life in Saudi Arabia.' With a diverse offering of 38 one-bedroom apartments, 58 two-bedroom apartments, and 17 three-bedroom villas, The House Residence Al Salam District delivers a new dimension of integrated living and immersive hospitality that blends contemporary design with local heritage. The project reflects a shared philosophy between Baraka and Kerten Hospitality—one that values authenticity, lifestyle integration, and placemaking as central to hospitality. As a dynamic cultural centre, positioned to be the pulsating heart of Jeddah, Al Salam District features curated retail, home-grown dining, wellness and beauty experiences, collaborative workspaces, and walkable public realms that create a deep sense of belonging. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented, 'Our collaboration with Baraka reflects a powerful synergy rooted in shared values and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. The House Residence Al Salam District offers a living ecosystem that brings people together through culture, creativity, and meaningful community engagement.' Baraka's current focus is firmly on Jeddah, with plans to expand its transformative development model and visionary projects into other major cities across the kingdom. With Al Salam District set to become a vibrant urban epicentre, the company continues to align its growth with Saudi Arabia's broader vision for a thriving, inclusive tourism and lifestyle economy. Together, Baraka and Kerten are laying the foundation for a next-generation destination – where innovation meets heritage, and where hospitality is redefined for the future.


Syyaha
11-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Kerten Hospitality Launches Global Franchise Model for Nakhati Gelato
Riyadh, 11 May 2025 – Kerten Hospitality is taking Nakhati, its female-led, purpose-driven gelato brand, global. After a successful debut in Saudi Arabia, Nakhati is expanding via a social franchise model designed to empower women entrepreneurs and foster sustainable business ownership across borders. With a mission rooted in community impact and ESG principles, Nakhati offers more than artisanal gelato – it is a platform for inclusive entrepreneurship. Kerten Hospitality aims to open 95 franchises worldwide within five years, targeting 15 openings in 2025. A strategic partnership with Francorp, a global franchise consulting firm with 50 years of expertise across 55 countries, supports this ambitious expansion. Each Nakhati location will feature a unique selection of locally inspired flavours, developed to reflect the culture and ingredients of the community it serves, further deepening the brand's commitment to local connection and authenticity. The Nakhati franchise investment is designed for ease of entry and scalability. The model offers a projected payback period within three years, with ROI starting at 22% in the first year and climbing to over 50% by year five. With a lean operational setup, franchisees benefit from reduced overheads and EBITDA-positive performance from day one. In many markets, local SMEs and entrepreneurs can also access subsidies, grants, and financing schemes – making the path to ownership even more accessible. With over 50 new malls expected to open across Saudi Arabia and the GCC by 2028 and rising demand for authentic, homegrown F&B concepts, Nakhati is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of the regional dessert market. On a global scale, the ice cream industry continues to show strong momentum, projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% and set to reach a market value of $147.74 billion by 2030. Against this backdrop, the Nakhati franchise offers a compelling, scalable business model designed to capture market share both regionally and internationally, making it an ideal choice for forward-thinking franchise partners. Having gained international recognition, including the Dentons Best Franchising Model Award for its inclusive and socially responsible approach, Nakhati has showcased its culturally rich, handcrafted gelato at global events like COP28 in Dubai, the Forbes Women Summit in Riyadh, and at the international festivals Taste of London and Taste of Paris. Nakhati's flagship store is located at the prominent location of Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace. CEO Marloes Knippenberg says, 'Nakhati is as a social movement, blending sustainability, cultural craftsmanship, and scalable business potential. With a unique focus on fostering an inclusive business environment that supports women in building their own ventures, Nakhati is a powerful demonstration of how social responsibility and business success can go hand in hand to drive meaningful impact.' With flexible franchise formats – from full stores to mobile carts – entrepreneurs can tailor investment levels and growth paths. More details on franchise opportunities can be found at Nakhati or contact franchise@


Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Kerten, Azure announce House Residence Azure in Zanzibar
Kerten Hospitality and Azure United Properties have unveiled The House Residence Azure Zanzibar, a luxury resort and residential community on the pristine Michamvi Peninsula. The project is a real estate investment opportunity with 93 ocean-view villas available for sale, including 16 stunning over water villas. The announcement highlights the government's support for sustainable tourism and lifestyle developments in Zanzibar. The House Residence Azure Zanzibar is poised to become a benchmark for contemporary living in East Africa. 'This is more than just a development—it's a commitment to co-create a new era for Zanzibar and invest with intention,' said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. 'With tourism arrivals jumping by 14.2% year-on-year and crossing the one million mark in 2024, Zanzibar is gaining serious global momentum. For forward-thinking investors, this project offers a rare chance to be part of a carefully curated lifestyle that blends comfort and conscious living, rooted in community and culture.' The resort, scheduled for handover by Q4 2026, spans 60.000 sqm of lush coastal terrain within a protected mangrove reserve. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to blend modern architectural lines with Swahili design influences and locally sourced materials, including traditional Makuti roofing. Villas feature panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean and are crafted with sustainability at their core—powered by solar energy, equipped with biodigesters, and landscaped to support microclimate development. Lifestyle Investment with a Local Soul The House Residence not only offers strong Return on Investment through capital appreciation, rental income potential and operational efficiency, but also through a clear 'Return on Community' by supporting local artisans, suppliers and businesses, contributing to social impact programmes in education, sustainability and heritage preservation, and operating with responsible, low-footprint practices. Owners will benefit from hospitality driven real estate, where ownership comes with access to a managed lifestyle with boutique -style services and tailored amenities focused on wellbeing, creativity and cultural immersion. Exclusive amenties include: Key cultural programming includes: Brazaa Square – A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari baraza, where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square Mama Moves – Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances Earth-to-Table Picnic – Guests handpick ingredients with local farmers and prepare fresh meals in serene natural settings 'Zanzibar presents one of the most compelling investment opportunities in emerging markets today, with ROI potential of 2 to 4 times higher than in more saturated destinations like Mauritius or the Seychelles. Backed by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), it offers a secure and investor-friendly environment. As global interest grows and the island evolves into a premier lifestyle and tourism destination, early investors stand to benefit significantly from its rising international profile,' said Simion Nikitas – Chairman of Azure United Properties. Zanzibar's strategic development plans, improved infrastructure, and pro-investment policies continue to attract international attention. As such, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar represents a powerful blend of lifestyle, legacy, and long-term value for global investors.

Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Kerten Hospitality and Azure Announce The House Residence Azure Zanzibar — A Landmark All-Villa Resort in One of Africa's Fastest-Growing Destinations
Dubai: Kerten Hospitality, a global lifestyle hospitality operator, and Azure United Properties have unveiled their newest project: The House Residence Azure Zanzibar—a luxury, all-villa resort and residential community on the pristine Michamvi Peninsula. The announcement was made during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, underscoring the government's support for high-impact, sustainable tourism and lifestyle developments. Poised to become a new benchmark for contemporary, conscious living in East Africa, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar is not only a resort—it is a unique real estate investment opportunity, with a curated collection of 93 ocean-view villas available for sale, of which 16 stunning over water villas. Each residence offers investors and buyers a rare chance to own property in a market experiencing rapid economic and tourism growth, with Zanzibar emerging as one of the continent's top lifestyle and hospitality destinations. 'This is more than just a development—it's a commitment to co-create a new era for Zanzibar and invest with intention,' said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. 'With tourism arrivals jumping by 14.2% year-on-year and crossing the one million mark in 2024, Zanzibar is gaining serious global momentum. For forward-thinking investors, this project offers a rare chance to be part of a carefully curated lifestyle that blends comfort and conscious living, rooted in community and culture.' The resort, scheduled for handover by Q4 2026, spans 60.000 sqm of lush coastal terrain within a protected mangrove reserve. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to blend modern architectural lines with Swahili design influences and locally sourced materials, including traditional Makuti roofing. Villas feature panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean and are crafted with sustainability at their core—powered by solar energy, equipped with biodigesters, and landscaped to support microclimate development. Lifestyle Investment with a Local Soul The House Residence not only offers strong Return on Investment through capital appreciation, rental income potential and operational efficiency, but also through a clear 'Return on Community' by supporting local artisans, suppliers and businesses, contributing to social impact programmes in education, sustainability and heritage preservation, and operating with responsible, low-footprint practices. Owners will benefit from hospitality driven real estate, where ownership comes with access to a managed lifestyle with boutique -style services and tailored amenities focused on wellbeing, creativity and cultural immersion. Exclusive amenties include: Two destination dining venues including a speciality over water restaurant A wellness center An outdoor cinema, adult and family pool, kids club, retail outlets, and event and co-working spaces A vegetable and spice garden for locally grown fresh produce Community-driven immersion events and experiences designed to create meaningful connections between residents, guests, and locals Key cultural programming includes: Brazaa Square – A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari baraza , where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square – A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari , where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square Mama Moves – Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances – Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances Earth-to-Table Picnic – Guests handpick ingredients with local farmers and prepare fresh meals in serene natural settings 'Zanzibar presents one of the most compelling investment opportunities in emerging markets today, with ROI potential of 2 to 4 times higher than in more saturated destinations like Mauritius or the Seychelles. Backed by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), it offers a secure and investor-friendly environment. As global interest grows and the island evolves into a premier lifestyle and tourism destination, early investors stand to benefit significantly from its rising international profile,' said Simion Nikitas – Chairman of Azure United Properties. Zanzibar's strategic development plans, improved infrastructure, and pro-investment policies continue to attract international attention. As such, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar represents a powerful blend of lifestyle, legacy, and long-term value for global investors. This latest venture by Kerten Hospitality and Azure United Properties will provide lifestyle living with a contempory aesthetic and local soul and contribute to the thriving community of Zanzibar.


Syyaha
08-05-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Kerten Hospitality and Azure Announce The House Residence Azure Zanzibar — A Landmark All-Villa Resort in One of Africa's Fastest-Growing Destinations
Dubai, 8 May 2025 –Kerten Hospitality, a global lifestyle hospitality operator, and Azure United Properties have unveiled their newest project: The House Residence Azure Zanzibar—a luxury, all-villa resort and residential community on the pristine Michamvi Peninsula. The announcement was made during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, underscoring the government's support for high-impact, sustainable tourism and lifestyle developments. Poised to become a new benchmark for contemporary, conscious living in East Africa, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar is not only a resort—it is a unique real estate investment opportunity, with a curated collection of 93 ocean-view villas available for sale, of which 16 stunning over water villas. Each residence offers investors and buyers a rare chance to own property in a market experiencing rapid economic and tourism growth, with Zanzibar emerging as one of the continent's top lifestyle and hospitality destinations. 'This is more than just a development—it's a commitment to co-create a new era for Zanzibar and invest with intention,' said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. 'With tourism arrivals jumping by 14.2% year-on-year and crossing the one million mark in 2024, Zanzibar is gaining serious global momentum. For forward-thinking investors, this project offers a rare chance to be part of a carefully curated lifestyle that blends comfort and conscious living, rooted in community and culture.' The resort, scheduled for handover by Q4 2026, spans 60.000 sqm of lush coastal terrain within a protected mangrove reserve. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to blend modern architectural lines with Swahili design influences and locally sourced materials, including traditional Makuti roofing. Villas feature panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean and are crafted with sustainability at their core—powered by solar energy, equipped with biodigesters, and landscaped to support microclimate development. Lifestyle Investment with a Local Soul The House Residence not only offers strong Return on Investment through capital appreciation, rental income potential and operational efficiency, but also through a clear 'Return on Community' by supporting local artisans, suppliers and businesses, contributing to social impact programmes in education, sustainability and heritage preservation, and operating with responsible, low-footprint practices. Owners will benefit from hospitality driven real estate, where ownership comes with access to a managed lifestyle with boutique -style services and tailored amenities focused on wellbeing, creativity and cultural immersion. Exclusive amenties include: • Two destination dining venues including a speciality over water restaurant• A wellness center• An outdoor cinema, adult and family pool, kids club, retail outlets, and event and co-working spaces• A vegetable and spice garden for locally grown fresh produce• Community-driven immersion events and experiences designed to create meaningful connections between residents, guests, and localsKey cultural programming includes:• Brazaa Square – A modern interpretation of the Zanzibari baraza, where locals and guests gather to play games, share tea, and connect in a vibrant, village-style square• Mama Moves – Dance classes led by local women, featuring traditional ceremonial dances • Earth-to-Table Picnic – Guests handpick ingredients with local farmers and prepare fresh meals in serene natural settings 'Zanzibar presents one of the most compelling investment opportunities in emerging markets today, with ROI potential of 2 to 4 times higher than in more saturated destinations like Mauritius or the Seychelles. Backed by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), it offers a secure and investor-friendly environment. As global interest grows and the island evolves into a premier lifestyle and tourism destination, early investors stand to benefit significantly from its rising international profile,' said Simion Nikitas – Chairman of Azure United Properties. Zanzibar's strategic development plans, improved infrastructure, and pro-investment policies continue to attract international attention. As such, The House Residence Azure Zanzibar represents a powerful blend of lifestyle, legacy, and long-term value for global investors. This latest venture by Kerten Hospitality and Azure United Properties will provide lifestyle living with a contempory aesthetic and local soul and contribute to the thriving community of Zanzibar.