Business

JP Legal Saudi Advises Regional Hospitality Brand TIME Hotels on Saudi Market Entry

Published

5 months ago

August 2, 2024

Regional law firm JP Legal has advised TIME Hotels, a regional hospitality brand, on establishing operations in the Saudi markets. This strategic move is set to expand the brand’s growth in the region.

TIME Hotels is a rapidly expanding hotel management company with five distinct brands catering to a wide range of guest profiles. The brand was co-founded in 2012 by Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, who oversees the company’s Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Apartments, Express Hotels, Residences, and Motels. Awadalla is tasked with spearheading future development and driving the commercial success of TIME Hotels’ expanding portfolio in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Under the leadership of newly appointed COO William Costley, TIME Hotels has embarked on an exciting journey of growth and transformation. The revamped brand identity reflects a commitment to adapting to the ever-changing preferences of its guests while upholding its core values of providing top-notch service and pioneering innovation. With a career spanning over 40 years in various international markets, Costley brings a wealth of experience to the company. He recently shared with Hotelier the strategic direction behind the brand’s revamp and its implications for the company’s evolution.

The JP Legal corporate team for TIME Hotels was led by Riyadh-based Partner Anas El Jisr, assisted by associates Basil Al Ruwaili, Joyce Karam, and Diala Hayek.

Operating across its offices in the Middle East, JP Legal Saudi Arabia has advised and assisted multinational companies on entering the Saudi markets and establishing a strong presence. The firm has guided renowned brands like Elie Saab in setting up retail stores in the heart of Via Riyadh, advised Anghami, a major player in the music industry, listed on the US NASDAQ Stock Exchange, on doing business in Saudi Arabia and Apotex Inc., a major multinational pharma company on setting up their Regional Headquarter in Saudi Arabia. JP Legal has seen significant growth, with recent senior recruits from major regional and international firms.

Anas El Jisr, Corporate/M&A Partner at JP Legal, stated: “We remain dedicated to advising major brands on entering the Saudi markets, which we believe is the heart of the MENA region. Saudi Arabia is leading across all sectors and offers immense potential for great companies. The country has grown exponentially post-implementation of the Vision 2030 initiative and has become a number one business hub for multinational players”.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.