W Riyadh – KAFD appoints General Manager

W Riyadh – KAFD has appointed Fares Daghlas as General Manager after he led the opening of the property earlier this year. Located in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the 210-key hotel became the lifestyle brand’s first property in the kingdom when it opened in April 2026.

Daghlas brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience, including a decade with Marriott International. Most recently, he served as Multi-Property General Manager at Marriott’s Saraya Aqaba complex in Jordan, overseeing operations at Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa.

His career has spanned leadership roles across the Middle East, including postings in Doha, Muscat, Amman and Dubai, with major hospitality groups including The Ritz-Carlton, St Regis and Kempinski. Daghlas brings experience in hotel openings and operational growth, with a focus on team building and guest experience. 

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Commenting on his new role, Daghlas said: “There’s an incredible momentum happening in Riyadh right now, creatively, culturally and socially, and W Riyadh – KAFD sits right at the center of it. Beyond the guest experience, I’m passionate about mentoring young Saudi talent and helping shape the next generation of hospitality leaders in the kingdom.” 

The appointment comes as Marriott continues to expand across the EMEA region. In Saudi Arabia, Marriott recently announced plans to develop 10 new hotels with Blacksand, adding more than 1,300 rooms across the kingdom. The group has also expanded its European portfolio this year with openings including The St Regis Budapest, W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu and Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes.

For more information, visit marriott.com