Turkish chain Rixos Hotels has signed an agreement to manage its largest all-inclusive luxury resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, coming as part of the joint venture partner Accor’s plans to expand its presence in the Middle East, Invest-Gate reports.

The firm is partnering with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to takeover and renovate the existing beachfront property, which will be relaunched as “The Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay.” Nestled in a secluded bay south of Hurghada, the 1,636-key “mega resort” is slated for completion in 2022, according to an official statement on August 7.

“The renovation plan of the existing development in Makadi Bay will be phased in two stages, each spanning a year, with phase one already underway and including the addition of wings and facilities to uplift the hotel in line with Rixos brand standards,” read the statement, noting that the new property will offer “world-class” leisure, sports, and entertainment facilities such as an amphitheater, an extensive indoor and outdoor spa, and a conference center.

Providing access to the region’s diving and golf offerings, the resort will officially launch after the completion of phase I, which will feature 815 keys, including individual villas, in addition to 12 food and beverage (F&B) outlets, a beach lounge, a 1,500-square-meter meeting space, a 2,400-square-meter spa and wellness facility, multiple pools, kids clubs, a small aqua park, and a diverse range of outdoor spots for fitness and entertainment.

Besides, phase II will get underway as soon as the resort opens its doors and will introduce a 23,000-square-meter waterpark and accommodation upgrades across the property. In general, “[The Rixos Hurghada Makadi Bay] is expected to become the preferred destination for discerning travelers and corporate group business from key source markets such as Europe and the [Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)],” the company noted.

“This marks a pivotal moment in the growth story of our brand, bringing to market our largest resort globally and offering our most comprehensive range of facilities and unique and dynamic entertainment experiences yet,” Founder and Chairman of Rixos Hotels Fettah Tamince was quoted as saying.

“We are delighted to partner with the Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development to launch this flagship project, which will set a new benchmark for luxury all-inclusive all-exclusive resorts in Egypt and the wider Middle East,” Tamince further stated.

On his part, CEO of Eastern Company for Investment and Touristic Development Mahmoud El Sharkawy underlined, “Our vision is to transform Makadi Bay into the leading leisure and entertainment destination on the Red Sea and in this respect, the Rixos brand, with its successful one-of-a-kind hospitality concept and proven expertise operating in Egypt’s resort market, makes strategic sense. It is the perfect fit.”