Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2024: In a significant move set to redefine luxury hospitality in Riyadh, IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality industry, has inked a management agreement with the King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company (KAFD DMC). This partnership will see the introduction of two prestigious hotels, Regent Riyadh KAFD and InterContinental Riyadh KAFD, adding to IHG’s opulent portfolio in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Scheduled for inauguration in January 2027, these upcoming additions will complement the region’s premier Kimpton property, slated to open by the end of 2024, as part of the collaboration established last year. With these developments, IHG’s presence in KAFD will expand to three properties, reinforcing its commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in the heart of Riyadh.
Situated within the sprawling King Abdullah Financial District, KAFD stands as the Kingdom’s pioneering vertical city, boasting a unique 5-asset class mixed-use district comprising office spaces, luxury residences, hotels, retail outlets, and entertainment and cultural venues. Spanning over 1.6 square kilometers, KAFD epitomizes the transformative vision of Vision 2030, prioritizing quality of life and sustainable development through its sustainable design, eco-friendly operations, smart infrastructure, and LEED-certified buildings.
Regent Riyadh KAFD, IHG’s maiden Regent property in Riyadh, is poised to offer unparalleled experiences characterized by serene elegance, thoughtful contrasts, and imaginative extravagance. With 250 keys, the hotel will feature a signature restaurant, two specialty dining venues, a tea lounge, and two cafes. Additionally, guests can indulge in luxurious amenities, including a fitness facility and a Regent Spa, while the property will cater to events with its Grand Ballroom, meeting rooms, VIP, and Bridal Suites.
On the other hand, InterContinental Riyadh KAFD will beckon guests into a captivating realm of hospitality and cultural immersion. Boasting 400 keys, the hotel will host five food and beverage outlets, including a signature offering and two specialty restaurants, alongside a lobby lounge. Complementing its dining options, the hotel will provide conferencing facilities, a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and indoor recreation area within a Retail Business Centre nearby.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts commented: “Riyadh is undergoing a massive transformation, and locations like KAFD increase the number of investments into the city and the wider Kingdom. At IHG, we remain committed to the Kingdom’s visionary ambitions through our expanding portfolio of hotels. We are ever confident in our partnership with KAFD to cater to the growing demand for luxury guest experiences in the region with Regent Riyadh and InterContinental Riyadh KAFD; embodying the principles of our ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ initiative and ensuring we set a benchmark for world-class luxury and ultra-luxury stays that prioritize responsible practices and contribute to a sustainable future for the capital.”
Commenting on the partnership, Gautam Sashittal, Chief Executive Officer at KAFD DMC also said: “Saudi Arabia’s tourism is booming like never before, seeing a 58% increase in visitor numbers and ranking second globally in terms of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023. The Kingdom counted over 100 million tourists last year, collectively spending SAR100 billion, and these numbers are poised to grow, with a national target of 150 million by 2030.” He added: “Now, as a full-fledged business district active around the clock evolving into a vibrant lifestyle destination as well, KAFD stands poised to emerge as a key focal point for both business and leisure travelers. We are excited to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to enrich KAFD’s luxury lifestyle and hospitality offerings for those seeking exceptional experiences in the heart of Riyadh. We both share a steadfast commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision, aligning our efforts not only to elevate the hospitality experience within KAFD but also to support the broader objectives of Vision 2030 by fostering growth and excellence in the hospitality sector.”
Both Regent Riyadh KAFD and InterContinental Riyadh KAFD are set to deliver unparalleled luxury and hospitality, catering to corporate travelers and leisure visitors alike. Guests will enjoy IHG’s esteemed loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, offering enhanced benefits through the company’s new mobile app, ranging from suite upgrades to extended check-outs.
With 43 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia, IHG’s robust presence underscores its commitment to catering to the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape. With 32 hotels in the pipeline for the next 2-5 years, IHG continues to champion excellence in hospitality, enriching the guest experience while contributing to Riyadh’s dynamic growth trajectory.
