50 global hospitality operators enter Saudi Arabia since 2020

Saudi Arabia expects 200,000 new hospitality rooms by 2030 as global brands expand their presence in the Kingdom.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the Saudi market has attracted around 50 global hospitality operators since 2020, noting that the hospitality sector aims to build a more competitive market, expand visitor choices, and enhance the overall experience, rather than simply increase the number of rooms.

He said around 200,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be added by 2030, with investments estimated at approximately $120 billion, a large portion of which will be driven by the private sector.

The Saudi market is also seeing several international brands enter the country for the first time, including Grand Hyatt, JW Marriott, Banyan Tree, Jumeirah, Six Senses, St. Regis, EDITION, and Rixos, alongside expansions by brands already operating in the Kingdom. Four Seasons, for example, will add six new hotels and three residential projects, while Raffles will add three hotels, bringing its total portfolio in the Kingdom to four hotels.

The next phase will see the entry of luxury hospitality brands such as AMAN, Capella, Faena, and Baccarat, the minister said. He added that this growth will help raise the quality of the sector and its services, while creating high-quality jobs for Saudi nationals, supporting training, and facilitating the transfer of expertise.