Tag Archives: Riyadh

Marriott International, Inc. and King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company (KAFD DMC) announced the signing of an agreement to open a new property from W Hotels within KAFD – Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination. Slated to open in 2025, W Riyadh will offer an urban escape within the capital and will bring the brand’s bold design, elevated service, innovative culinary experiences, and always-on programming to locals and international visitors alike, positioning the property to emerge as an icon of hospitality in Riyadh. W Riyadh is expected to feature 210 luxury guest rooms and suites, seven restaurants, retail space, and expansive event and meeting facilities. Design plans for the property also include signature brand spaces such as the Living Room, WET Deck®, AWAY® Spa, and FIT® fitness center, and the hotel will provide the brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever service. “In line with the strategic framework of Vision 2030, Riyadh is fast becoming a key regional metropolis attracting global leisure and business travellers alike,” said Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. “This monumental signing underscores the increased demand for distinctive luxury brands in the capital and we look forward to working with KAFD DMC to bring the W Hotels vision for innovation, creativity, design, and exploration to the city.” The signing of W Riyadh is in alignment with KAFD’s strategic vision to broaden and enrich its dynamic lifestyle destinations, attracting both business and leisure travellers with elevated luxury and hospitality offerings. “The Kingdom has surpassed Vision 2030 tourism expectations seven years ahead of schedule which sets the stage for future growth. As a cornerstone initiative of the Kingdom’s Vision, and in keeping with the new …

VisitBritain and the Saudi Tourism Authority signed a Declaration of Intent, setting out areas of co-operation between Britain and Saudi Arabia to develop and grow tourism. The Declaration, announced during GREAT FUTURES, a major trade expo being held in Riyadh by the UK Government’s GREAT campaign in partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Government, was officially signed by VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates and the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin. VisitBritain and the Saudi Tourism Authority will collaborate on sharing knowledge and expertise on both domestic and international tourism. H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “This agreement offers enormous opportunities for Saudi Arabia and UK to boost tourism and underlines the close relationship between the two countries. We are proud to have hosted more than 165,000 friends from Britain between January and March this year and to have welcomed 100 million visitors in 2023. “We are developing remarkable projects that celebrate our unique culture and heritage as part of our $800 billion (£640 billion) investment in the Saudi tourism industry, aiming for them to become as iconic as UK attractions like the Tower of London and Stonehenge, and we see limitless potential ahead to welcome visitors from Britain and around the world.” UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Our tourism industry is an integral part of what makes Britain so great, from our breathtaking landscapes and coastlines, to the treasure trove of heritage and culture to be found in our towns, villages and cities – all backed by a brilliant, dedicated workforce. “We’re committed to helping the sector keep growing from strength to …

Cheval Collection’s new, luxury serviced apartments in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will break ground this year, with construction due for completion in 2027. CHEVAL LADUN LIVING – a partnership with KSA-based Ladun Investment Company – is Cheval Collection’s first property in KSA and the third in the Middle East. The UK-based, award-winning hospitality brand currently operates Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai and will open Cheval Maison – Dubai Expo City in 2025. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, Cheval Collection’s Chief Operating Officer John Philipson, said: “Saudi Arabia is key to Cheval Collection’s continued expansion in the Middle East, and we are proud to add CHEVAL LADUN LIVING to our international property portfolio – and to KSA’s ever-growing hospitality offering. We look forward to breaking ground this year, and opening for business in 2027.” Located on King Fahd Road, close to Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial Centre, CHEVAL LADUN LIVING will contain 130 one to three bedroom luxury apartments. The property will also feature a range of fitness and leisure amenities, including a gym, swimming pool and sauna. Construction of the tower will cost up to US$80 million. Cheval Collection’s first Middle East property – Cheval Maison – The Palm– celebrated its first successful year of operation last month. Meanwhile, the company’s 150 luxury apartment complex at Dubai’s Expo City, a repurpose of the prestigious Leadership Pavilion at EXPO 2020, is undergoing refurbishment ahead of its opening next year. Cheval Collection currently operates 800 luxury apartments across 13 properties in London, Edinburgh and Dubai.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will showcase the much-anticipated first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh and September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Led by Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world. This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today. Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens. The spotlight will shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal. Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18. Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to …

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Haitham Mattar – Managing Director MEA and South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts shared that this week is among the busiest in Riyadh with World Economic Forum and Future Hospitality Summit taking place simultaneously in the city of Riyadh. He reiterated that the hotels are enjoying a great return as they are operating in full swing. IHG Hotels and Resorts is the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with many properties in Mecca, Madinah and Riyadh. Mattar reiterated that the government of Saudi Arabia’s flexibility in visa has created many visitors to explore the kingdom and the MICE and event sector has grown exponentially over the past few months. He reiterated that the city of Riyadh has seen multiple events over the past few months which has brought in visitors from across the globe. Their foot print has been growing right throughout the past few years and they will focus more in the Kingdom in bringing new brands to the kingdom and introducing their brands across the different cities.

At an exclusive interview with TravelTV Mohamad Mandii – Chief People Officer of Amsa Hospitality revealed their plans to build an academy dedicated to training Saudi youth in hospitality in order for them to get first hand training and experience in the industry. “We are working on many programmes but two important ones are ‘Future Generation of Saudi Hoteliers’ and ‘Saudi General Managers of Tomorrow’ which will help and support the initiatives from the ministry of tourism.” He reiterated that they are focusing on the great place to work concept to attract more youth to the industry as they target tier II cities to employ youth who know Saudi Arabia well and could provide authentic experiences to the guests. Their main focus is to provide that authentic experience to guests who will fly from across the globe to understand the beauty of Saudi Arabia.

Diriyah Company unveiled the unique and innovative concept design for The Arena in Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh. The iconic 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue marks a crucial milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a key driver in Saudi Arabia’s vision for cultural and economic growth. This announcement is part of the USD 63.2 billion masterplan that underpins Diriyah’s development, redefining cultural and lifestyle offerings within Riyadh. It has been crafted by London-based HKS Architects to create a technologically advanced, globally significant arena that embodies the essence of its surroundings, geology, and culture. The announcement was made by the Diriyah Company at MIPIM in Cannes in the presence of the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston. Located in the heart of The City of Earth, the 76,000 square meter Arena aims to establish itself as the premier venue in the Middle East, serving as a tourism hallmark, drawing visitors from across the globe and completely transforming the region’s events landscape. Commenting on the announcement, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company said: “The Arena in Diriyah is a cornerstone element of our mission to blend tradition with innovation. It exemplifies Diriyah’s unique lifestyle offering that harmonizes community, culture, and natural connection, setting a new standard for world-class destinations rooted in Saudi heritage.” Inspired by the natural geology surrounding Diriyah and capturing the traditional Najdi architecture motif spanning centuries of heritage, the venue will possess the ability to seamlessly transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession. Its state-of-the-art design will ensure exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every …

The inaugural B2B edition of Saudi Travel Mart with TravTalkME as media partner kicked off in Riyadh yesterday with over 135 companies from 20 countries. It will provide a platform for key exhibitors from Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world to showcase their many offerings within a period of three days from 25th to 27th February 2024. Opening the event Naif A. Alrajhi – Vice Chairman of Board of Directors Riyadh Chamber of Commerce shared, “Today is an important event to have this first ever B2B event in Saudi Arabia, having 135 companies from 20 countries which shows the importance of being in Saudi  Arabia and this is very good for later stages as Saudi Arabia aims to achieve a high number of tourists from across the globe. Saudi Arabia has a lot of opportunities with thew commitment of the government as they have set a target with the vision 2030 aimed at attracting the highest number of  tourists by 2030 and with all the foreign investments happening in the Kingdom this will give rise to the tourism sector in the Kingdom.” Mohammed Al Harbi, Chief Executive Officer Saudi Travel Mart in his opening remarks shared, “we consider the Saudi Travel Market to be one of the important exhibitions through which we intend to place the Kingdom on the list of major tourist destinations in the coming years. As the first B2B exhibition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we aim to attract the largest international companies to the Kingdom and make it the first and best choice for everyone.”  

Al Faisaliah Hotel has officially rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. This marks Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s debut in the Kingdom, bringing the brand’s prestige and legendary service to a landmark in the heart of Riyadh. To mark this significant milestone, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Al Khozama Company’s Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khaled Al Saud, and Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, as well as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s senior leadership including Chief Operating Officer, Christoph Mares, Chief Commercial Officer, Joanna Flint, Area Vice President Operations, Michael Koth, and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, Richard Johnson. As part of the ceremony, the hotel’s signature fan designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al Faisal was unveiled, a stunning creation that draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich history, dynamic present and compelling future. Khalid Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer of Al Khozama Investment, said, “The Al Faisaliah district, a defining presence in Riyadh’s skyline since 2000, forms an indelible part of the community’s collective memory. With the arrival of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to the Kingdom, the iconic property is poised to add even more excitement to the capital and Al Faisaliah district, promising every visitor a uniquely elevated and enriched experience.” The hotel’s General Manager, Richard Johnson, stated, “We are honoured to continue Al Faisaliah Hotel’s legacy as an iconic hotel and lifestyle destination, whilst reaffirming Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to the region. Our mission is to bring the exceptional to life, putting our guests right in the heart of luxury, business, prime dining and exploration, complete with the impeccable service that Mandarin Oriental is known …

A special event was held in Riyadh highlighting Berlin’s offerings in medical travel, showcasing a dedicated Arabic website catering to GCC travellers and providing information on accommodation and medical facilities. The Arabic site can be viewed at berlin-health-excellence.com/ar. It was held under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin last night hosted a special event in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The gathering aimed to showcase the allure of Berlin and highlight Germany’s tourism offerings for 2024. The exclusive event served as a platform to spotlight Berlin’s rich history, vibrant culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and diverse culinary scene, positioning it as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. In addition to this, recognising the popularity of football in the region, Berlin also promoted the highly anticipated European Championship, which will be held in 2024 across 10 German cities, including Berlin where the final game will be played. Another major date in 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with numerous events taking place in November next year to showcase the city of freedom Berlin. Additionally, Berlin also emphasised its commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and sharing information on where to find halal cuisine. The city’s family-friendly environment – featuring children’s museums and zoos – presents an ideal destination for families. Moreover, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and parks, Berlin offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – Gulf Countries at the GNTO, said: “Germany stands as an embodiment of cultural magnificence and this exclusive event in Riyadh …