Minor Hotels partners with Saudi’s...

The Anantara property will join a further four of the brand’s hotels in Minor’s Middle East pipeline

Hotel owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels has signed a memorandum of understanding with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand.

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia tourism’s historic hub and will showcase more than 300 years of the country’s history through engaging cultural, heritage and dining experiences for residents and tourists.

Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming an 11-square-kilometres site into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development, home to 38 hotel brands and more than 100 restaurants.

Anantara will bring its experience-led luxury to DGDA with a new hotel. Currently in the final stages of planning, further details of the upcoming property will be announced soon. The brand’s current portfolio of properties in the Middle East includes Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the UAE’s Liwa Desert, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman and Anantara Banana Island Resort Doha in Qatar.

Commenting on the announcement, Minor International chairman and founder William E. Heinecke said: “We are excited to announce our intention to be part of what will be one of the world’s most exciting and impressive collections of hotels at Diriyah Gate. This project is second to none globally in terms of scale and luxury and will bring a completely unique experience to the people of Saudi Arabia, residents and tourists alike. I look forward to working with the team at DGDA to bring this new Anantara property to fruition as part of this spectacular project.”

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DGDA group CEO Jerry Inzerillo added: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Anantara to Diriyah’s world-class collection of luxury hotels. We are going to be providing the very best in hospitality services with an unparalleled offering of hotels and fine dining spots, right in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s cultural birthplace. Being one of the world’s most beloved brands, Anantara’s unique style of hospitality is the perfect fit for the project and will be an excellent addition to what will be one of the greatest lifestyle destinations out there.”

Minor Hotels currently has a portfolio of 529 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

For more information, visit www.minorhotels.com