Rixos Hotels appoints new Area GM for Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Elnawawy has been appointed Area General Manager for Rixos properties in Saudi Arabia and will also serve as GM of the Rixos Murjana hotel, opening this December in King Abdullah Economic City. 

 

Elnawawy brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the role, having begun his career in Cairo before moving to the UAE, where he went on to hold senior leadership positions with Sheraton, Atlantis The Palm and Emaar Hospitality Group. 

 

No stranger to the Rixos portfolio, Elnawawy previously served as GM at Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah from 2023 to 2025, and Rooms Division Manager at Rixos The Palm from 2013 to 2015. 

 

As Area GM, Elnawawy will oversee the launch of upcoming Rixos properties across Saudi Arabia and help drive the group’s ongoing growth in the kingdom. In its announcement, the group describes Elnawawy as a “transformative leader”, with a strong track record in operational excellence and leadership skills.

 

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Elnawawy has received multiple industry accolades throughout his career, most recently being named ‘Best Newly Appointed General Manager Globally’ at the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. 

 

The appointment comes as Rixos accelerates its growth in the kingdom. The brand opened its first Saudi property, the Rixos Obhur Jeddah Resort & Villas, in July 2025, with its second project, Rixos Murjana, scheduled to open in December 2025.

 

The all-inclusive waterfront resort will feature a limited collection of overwater villas, Saudi Arabia’s largest kids club and a water park with more than 10 rides.

 

For more information, visit rixos.com/hotel-resort/rixos-murjana