Thai hospitality firm Dusit International, which has established a joint venture hotel management company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called JV, is set to operate two new properties in collaboration with local partners Dyar Hotels and Resorts.

Dusit Thani Jeddah, in the second largest city in Saudi Arabia – Jeddah – is set to open in 2018 with 211 bedrooms and 39 suites, alongside a number of dining venues.

There will be separate male and female spas and a swimming pool at this property – the details of which have not yet been decided, according to a spokesperson for Dusit International.

The property will also feature a business centre and multi-purpose hall for meetings and events, as well as a dedicated floor for female guests.

In the heart of Doha, Qatar, a second property will also open in 2018 – dusitD2 Salwa. The Qatar property will offer 240 guestrooms including 28 suites and will be operated in a Sharia-compliant manner. There will be a spa, swimming pool, two speciality restaurants, an all-day dining option, two wedding halls and 10 meeting rooms. The hotel will be minutes from tourist attractions such as the Doha Fort, Souq Waqif and the Qatar National Museum.

Dusit International said in a statement that a further five properties are currently under negotiation by JV in the cities of Makkah and Madinah.

“We are confident that with the support of our partners at Dyar Hotel and Resorts, who have over 30 years of local expertise, we will succeed in bringing completely unique products to the market, marrying our hallmark gracious Thai hospitality with local customs and traditions,” said Andrew Shaw, director of development in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Dusit International.