Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya has become one of the first hotel properties in Saudi Arabia to be accredited by Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR last month.

It is also one of the first hotels to get this certification in the Middle East, Arab News reported.

GBAC, a division of the worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA, is the “gold standard” for prepared facilities.

The accreditation builds on the Hyatt brand’s existing “rigorous protocols”, colleague training, support resources as well as a “cross-functional working group” of medical experts that contribute to various hotel experience aspects.

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya general manager said: “The world as we knew it has been changed by COVID-19, and when our guests are ready to travel again, we want to ensure them that they can feel confident that each aspect of our commitment is designed with their safety in mind, and that we’re putting their well-being first.

“To do this, we must critically examine the hotel experience from every vantage point and think about what matters the most from our guests’ point of view — from rooms and lobby to spa and dining — bringing in the latest research, technology and innovations to make that happen.

“The GBAC accreditation is an important hygiene and cleanliness milestone, marking our purpose to care for people so they can be their best — always.”

The news agency reported that Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya has implemented the most strict protocols for cleaning, disinfection as well as prevention of infectious disease at its facility.

Recently, a Hyatt affiliate signed a management agreement with Feuring Hotel Lissabon for its new luxury lifestyle hotel in Portugal.