by: Arab News Saudi Arabia:
Riyadh is gearing up to welcome a new luxurious 280-key hotel following a partnership agreement signed by Saudi Real Estate Co., known as Al Akaria, and Marriott International.
The agreement will introduce Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand to the Saudi capital, marking a significant addition to Riyadh’s hospitality landscape.
Construction of the hotel is scheduled to commence in 2025, with an expected completion date in 2028. The new hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, according to Ibrahim Al-Alwan, CEO of Al-Akaria Real Estate Co.
This move underscores Al Akaria’s dedication to promoting tourism and hospitality in Riyadh, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to create attractive destinations for residents and visitors alike. It also contributes to the Kingdom’s ambition to strengthen its position as a premier international tourist destination.
The new hotel will play a vital role in the development of a mixed-use destination, featuring commercial facilities, restaurants, and entertainment areas, enriching Riyadh’s urban landscape.
Chadi Hauch, regional vice president of lodging development in the Middle East at Marriott International, noted the rapid transformation of the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, presenting numerous opportunities for Marriott to expand its presence accordingly.
Marriott International has been actively expanding its footprint in the Kingdom, with recent announcements including the commencement of construction for a Ritz-Carlton in the historic town of Diriyah. Additionally, the hotel operator signed an agreement with Saudi’s Sela Sport to develop two new luxury hotels in the country and revealed plans for hotels from two of its brands in NEOM’s mountain destination, Trojena. These developments underscore Marriott’s commitment to the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector.
