Tag Archives: Riyadh

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and STA Sign MoU providing attractive offerings to Regional and International Visitors

In an effort to launch joint activation campaigns, offer appealing deals, and design captivating experiences to showcase Saudi Arabia as a top tourism destination worldwide and in the region, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership will involve the sharing of insights, ideas, and experiences. The MoU falls in line with the hotel chain’s endeavours to collaborate with the Saudi tourism entity to achieve mutual goals and support efforts aimed at establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier destination in the region. “The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is delighted to conclude such an agreement with STA’s Middle East and Africa Business sector, with the hopes of forming a prosperous collaboration to promote Saudi tourism, lure tourists from nearby markets, and offer a tourism experience that rises up to what the Kingdom’s guests expect from the leading, globally renowned hospitality brand, the Four Seasons Hotel” said Swen Ehlender, Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. “This agreement emphasizes once more STA’s keenness to sign partnerships with leading companies and global hotel chains to attract tourists from markets in the region and fulfil the aspirations of visitors who come seeking the world’s finest hotels,” said Abdulkarim Aldarwish, STA’s President of Middle East & Africa Markets. The MoU was signed at Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 held in Dubai by Swen Ehlender, Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East and Africa.  

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IHG to expand lifestyle portfolio In Saudi Arabia with the signing of Hotel Indigo in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City

IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City for a new Hotel Indigo within the city near the Irqah area along Wadi Hanifa in Riyadh. Set to open in 2025, with basement works already completed, the new hotel adds to IHG’s robust growth plans across various new developments that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy. The signing of a new Hotel Indigo in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is significant, as it is the first nonprofit City of its kind, set to be an incubator for youth and for local and international institutions supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and future leaders. The hotel will be located next to the City’s Al Mishraq Zone and serve as a living laboratory where innovation and social life will thrive, and creativity will meet science and technology. Guests will be able to take advantage of the City’s cultural experiences by using a vibrant pedestrian-only main street as part of the City’s “15 minute” planning concept, with connections to cultural offerings as well as elevated fine dining restaurants overlooking the stunning Wadi Hanifah and views of Riyadh’s city skyline. The City will deliver a platform to experiment with new products and technologies, and will offer interactive retail environments providing customers with immersive experiences. The infrastructure will include a comprehenisve mobility solution, supported by a sustainable cooling and shading system. The solution will become a prime example for modern and integrated urban transportation, while delivering a comfortable environment encouraging outdoor activities. The new-build Hotel Indigo will feature 234 guestrooms and suites, as well as 138 serviced apartments. The hotel is ideally situated just 15 minutes from Riyadh …

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Radisson Hotel Group solidifies its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of its eighth hotel in Riyadh, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. This new addition forms an integral part of the Riyadh International Conference and Exhibition Center. Situated in the capital city of Saudi Arabia and within walking distance of the city center and its state-of the art Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center  is ideal for business and leisure travelers looking for a sophisticated atmosphere and a base from which to conduct their business and enjoying luxurious relaxation. Additional destination highlights include vast shopping malls, impressive skyscrapers, and cultural offerings, including the King ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Historical Centre, the National Museum, and the National Library. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center features 223 rooms, all of which have been stylishly designed with spectacular views of Riyadh. The heart of the hotel is the double-volume lobby that welcomes guests as a tranquil oasis from the city’s fast-paced life. The design elements of the hotel, from the breathtaking entrance to the tasteful decor in the guest rooms, deliver a feeling of modern luxury. Guests staying in the Executive Rooms and Suites have complimentary access to the Business Lounge, which offers Tea, Coffee and snacks throughout the day. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center offers two food and beverage venues. The Al Diriyah Restaurant and Lounge serves an international menu with some local touches and serves a variety of coffees from Camel Step, a local roastery. The Terrace restaurant is located on the second floor and is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a night out with gourmet …

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HRH Crown Prince announces the development of the World’s Largest Modern Downtown in Riyadh, add SAR180 billion to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 direct and indirect jobs

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC), announced the launch of the New Murabba Development Company which aims to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh, contributing to the city’s future development in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The New Murabba project will be built around the concept of sustainability, featuring green areas and walking and cycling paths that will enhance the quality of life by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and community activities. It will also feature an iconic museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theater, and more than 80 entertainment and culture venues. The project will be situated at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads to the North West of Riyadh, over an area of 19 square kilometers, to accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents. The project will offer more than 25 million sqm of floor area, featuring more than 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and more than 980,000 sqm of retail space, as well as 1.4 million sqm of office space, 620,000 sqm of leisure assets, and 1.8 million sqm of space dedicated to community facilities. Inspired by the modern Najdi architectural style, the “Mukaab” will be the world’s first immersive destination offering an experience created by digital and virtual technology with the latest holographics. The “Mukaab” will encompass a tower atop a spiral base, and a structure featuring 2 million sqm of floor space that will be a premium hospitality destination with a multitude of retail, cultural and tourist attractions, along with residential and hotel units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities. The New Murabba project …

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WTTC unveils world-first global Travel & Tourism climate footprint data

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)  unveiled groundbreaking new data detailing the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector. The findings were launched today at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh by the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Saudi-based Sustainable Global Tourism Center. In a world-first, this comprehensive research covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures. During her opening speech Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC announced the findings of the Environmental & Social Research (ESR). In one of the largest research projects of its kind ever undertaken, WTTC can for the first time ever, accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment. Previous estimates have suggested that the global Travel & Tourism sector was responsible for up to 11% of all emissions. However, WTTC’s pioneering research shows that in 2019 the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions totalled just 8.1% globally. The divergence of the sector’s economic growth from its climate footprint between 2010 and 2019 is evidence that Travel & Tourism’s economic growth is decoupling from its greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions have been falling consistently since 2010 as the result of technological developments, as well as the introduction of a number of energy efficiency measures across industries within the sector. Between 2010 and 2019 our sector’s GDP has grown on average 4.3% annually whilst its environmental footprint has only increased by 2.4%. The broader Environmental & Social Research (ESR) will include measures of the sector’s impact against a range of indicators, including pollutants, energy sources, water use, as well as social data, including age, wage and gender profiles of Travel & Tourism …

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JW Marriott debuts in Saudi Arabia with the opening of JW Marriott Riyadh

JW Marriott announced its debut in Saudi Arabia with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. The highly anticipated luxury hotel welcomes guests for a transformative and elevated stay to nourish the mind, body and spirit. Spanning 349-rooms, the property is the ideal choice for travellers seeking a refreshing stay in the heart of Riyadh’s new commercial and residential district. “We are excited to debut JW Marriott, an iconic legacy brand,in Saudi Arabia with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott Hotels. “JW Marriott combines personalized, luxury service with principles of mindfulness that are integral to today’s business and leisure traveler. Those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of this dynamic city will find JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh the perfect place for a modern, wellness-focused and balanced stay.” “The opening of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh marks the brand’s long awaited debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Guests will be encouraged to experience every moment to the fullest at this luxurious new destination that follows      the JW Marriott’s philosophy to provide guests the ideal haven to recharge and reflect,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. A sense of luxury is present from the first moment of arrival as guests are welcomed into a lobby adorned with an emerald-green wall accented by unique light fixtures and textured furnishings that give a nod to the aesthetic of a wadi environment. Leveraging the natural wonders of the local surroundings, the guest experience begins with a reception area inspired by the capital’s desert sand dunes, from the curved reception desk that reflects the movement of …

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St.Petersburg showcases its offerings in Riyadh

115 trade partners gathered for the St.Petersburg roadshow in Riyadh. The guests were welcomed by Arbi Abubakarov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Relations of St. Petersburg, Stanislav Yankovets, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy General Director of the City Tourist Information Bureau of St. Petersburg Yulia Bondareva. The welcome speeches were followed by the presentation of St Petersburg and the travel partners from St Petersburg, among whom was General Director of the Northern Capital Gateway Company (operator of the Pulkovo airport) Leonid Sergeev. The road show “Visit Saint Petersburg!” ended in Saudi Arabia. The road show program, formed on the initiative and with the participation of specialists from the tourism industry in St. Petersburg and organized by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the City Tourist Information Bureau, included a series of workshops in Riyadh. Participants of the hospitality industry of the Northern capital presented their programs and established direct contacts with Middle Eastern colleagues. There was also a discussion of the possibility of establishing direct air communication between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and St. Petersburg. The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle …

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IHG signs a new generation InterContinental Hotel with Al Ajlan Company in Riyadh

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Al Ajlan Company for InterContinental Hotel & Residences in the Riyadh North area. Set to open by 2028, the prestigious 400-key hotel and serviced apartments will form part of a state-of-the art masterplan comprising of high-end retail, offices and entertainment. The hotel will reflect the modern luxury philosophy and will strengthen IHG’s offering in the segment. Saudi Arabia represents significant potential for tourism and hospitality industry, as part of its Vision 2030 ambitions. While Riyadh has long been and continues to be a centre for business in the Kingdom, new developments in the north of the city, including the Boulevard, U-Walk, and Riyadh Seasons herald a new demand for leisure tourism as well. In addition to rooms designed with modern aesthetics, the hotel will feature distinctive dining options, multipurpose meetings and events rooms, a health club and a spa. Located in proximity to the airport, the hotel will also be strategically positioned to cater to business and leisure demand. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “This Management Agreement of an exciting new build InterContinental property in Riyadh’s vibrant north district represents IHG’s commitment to support the growing tourism and hospitality ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of Vision 2030.  With new developments in leisure and entertainment sector across the country, and the introduction of e-visas and a new airline, Riyadh is ready to welcome more diversified tourists to the capital city. With a strong hotel portfolio across all guest segments and a growing regional office in Riyadh, we …

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IndiGo announces new Hyderabad-Riyadh connection from October 30

In its bid to strengthen international connectivity, IndiGo, India’s leading carrier announced a new daily direct flight from Hyderabad-Riyadh along with additional frequencies on Hyderabad-Doha and Mangalore-Dubai routes. This new route and additional frequencies will enhance connectivity between India and Middle East. Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to strengthen our network by introducing new international flights and frequencies. The new connection to Riyadh will enhance business connectivity and easy access to tourist attractions like Al Masmak Fortress, National Museum, Heet Caves, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, and Kingdom Center Tower, among others. In addition, these flights will make travel affordable to the Middle East through direct connections and additional capacity. We will strive to stay true to our promise of affordable fares, on-time performance, courteous and hassle-free service across wide network, onboard our lean clean flying machines.” These flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travellers who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options to access destinations which help in building businesses and are known for their tourist attractions. Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website www.goIndiGo.in and also browse our website in Hindi at https://www.goindigo.in/hi-in/homepage.html. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

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Saudia launches its first direct route between Riyadh and Zurich

SAUDIA inaugurated the first direct flight to its new international destination Zurich, Switzerland in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program. To commemorate the occasion, SAUDIA organized an inauguration ceremony at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the presence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Switzerland to the Kingdom, Dr. Andreas Schaller, the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, the VP Strategy & Communication from the Air Connectivity Program, Mr. Sultan Alotaify, and the VP of Route Development Ms. Anita Gackowska, along with a number of government officials working at the airport. At the departure gate, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place to launch the new route as SAUDIA employees bid farewell to the traveling guests. Mr. Muhlen, the CCO of SAUDIA stated, “With continuous support from the Air Connectivity Program, we at SAUDIA are excited to begin transporting passengers along the milestone route, effectively utilizing our fleet of 150 premium aircraft to best accommodate travelers to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. Mr. Sultan Otaify, the Vice President of Strategy and Communications of The Air Connectivity Program, indicated that this type of fruitful local partnerships is a foundation stone for a series of future partnerships that aim to support and stimulate the aviation sector, establish new air routes and enhance the pace of flights, which contributes to the development of tourism in the kingdom. The aircraft was received with a water salute to welcome the first direct flight from Saudi Arabia in Zurich International Airport where SAUDIA held another celebration for the return flight from Zurich to Riyadh in line with its goal to bring the world to the Kingdom. The …

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