Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate project announces hospitality brands

This marks the first phase of the $50.6 billion transformation of the historic city of Diriyah 

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has announced the first phase of its planned 38 hotel brands.

The development, located 15 minutes northwest of Riyadh, will be “the first giga project in the world to simultaneously open, groundbreak and announce world-class assets every year from 2022 until completion in 2026”.

Hotel brands coming to Diriyah Gate phase one include lifestyle brands such as Address Hotels & Resorts, Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, Campbell Gray Hotels & Resorts, Capella Hotels & Resorts, the first Fauchon hotel in the Middle East and LXR Hotels & Resorts,  part of Hilton’s collection of independent properties.

In addition, Orient Express will make its debut in the Middle East, joining luxury brands including Raffles, Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Luxury Collection.

The first property, The Luxury Collection, operated by Marriott International, is due to open in 2022 with 141 keys.

FOR MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE, SIGN UP FOR CONNECTING TRAVEL’S WEEKLY BULLETIN

DGDA group chief executive Jerry Inzerillo said: “This prestigious hotel collection will set the stage for a new level of global hospitality. These hotels and resorts will not only complement the kingdom’s rich culture and heritage but also its ambitious future plans in line with His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030.

“We are honoured to have attracted such iconic brands to the destination, and look forward to unveiling the hotels’ next-level offerings for Saudi Arabia’s visitors and locals over the forthcoming months. This news marks a very special time for the development, and it is a superb example of Vision 2030 being implemented.”

Diriyah Development Company president Jonathan Timms added: “The announcement of our forthcoming hotel collection is a major milestone in our development’s progress. Each hotel partner has been carefully selected and curated to ensure our guests receive the highest standard of hospitality, while enticing them to explore Diriyah and the kingdom through much-loved brands.

“The team has worked tirelessly to bring on board these respected operators, who share our vision and desire to develop with deep authenticity and integrity. We look forward to announcing further hotel partners in the coming months.”

For more information, visit www.dgda.gov.sa