As part of a US$50.6 billion giga-project, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) in Riyadh on Wednesday announced the first 14 of its planned 38 hotel brands coming to the historic city of Diriyah inside the capital city.
The hotel brands are located across two of DGDA’s four master plans – Diriyah Gate and Wadi Safar. Hotel brands coming to Diriyah Gate phase one, a five square kilometre mixed-use heritage, tourism and lifestyle destination, include Address Hotels & Resorts, part of the Emaar Hospitality Group, and Starwood Capital Group’s Baccarat Hotels & Resorts.
Located in the Bujairi district will be a Campbell Gray Hotels and Resorts property; a 100-key hotel by Capella Hotels and Resorts; French brand Fauchon, which is launching its first hotel in the Middle East; and an 80-key hotel from Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts.
In addition, Orient Express will make its debut into the Middle East and further developments include Raffles, Park Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
To the west of Diriyah in Wadi Safar will sit Oberoi branded hotel, as well as a Six Senses property.
The first property to open will be a part of The Luxury Collection, operated by Marriott International, due to open in 2022 with 141 keys.
As the historic and cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah will soon showcase Saudi Arabia’s 300-plus years of history through a set of heritage, cultural, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences for residents and tourists. The new global landmark will be created in a traditional Najdi architectural style and will showcase authentic Saudi environments of the past.
The destination will soon offer a diverse collection of museums and cultural attractions, an ultra-luxury retail offering, and a line-up of international and local dining brands within the recently revealed Bujairi Terrace district. At the heart of Diriyah is the UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif, the original home of the Saudi Arabian royal family and the country’s first Saudi State.