Tourism Breaking News
Marriott International has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah together with the Diriyah Company. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah is anticipated to bring the brand’s legendary service and exquisite design to the cultural destination. Plans for the hotel include 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and fitness center. A kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering, a signature spa and other immersive guest programmes are also expected to be offered.
The event was attended by Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International and Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company along with senior members from both organisations. During the official visit, representatives visited the site of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, which is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024. Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi culture through its design and hospitality and will feature transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Design plans for the property include 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool, and spa.
“We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural and heritage cities,” commented Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International.
Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have previously announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company added “Diriyah is so much more than a giga-project. Unlocking centuries of heritage and history, the city has been at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s founding story and national development for three hundred years. The partnership with Marriott international will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in that culture and sample the unforgettable lifestyle of The City Of Earth.”
Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historic cultural destination. The new hub will see fourteen square kilometers of the historic town of Diriyah, known as ‘the Jewel of the Kingdom’, transformed into a global tourism destination with its main anchors rooted in its historic culture and heritage. Created in the style of Najdi architecture, an authentic Saudi Arabian building style, guests will be instantly transported to centuries past when the Arabian Peninsula was born. The landmark destination is expected to include a variety of cultural institutions and museums, galleries, local and international restaurants, luxury retail experiences, public squares, hotels, multiple recreational spaces, residences, educational institutions, and offices.
