Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Accor announced the signing of Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, within walking distance of the holy Mosque set to open by 2026. This will be the largest Sofitel property int the world with 1141 rooms and suites. “We are honored to introduce Sofitel in Makkah, a city that holds immense spiritual and cultural importance. Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will stand as a symbol of hospitality, serenity, and connection — a place where our French zest meets Saudi authenticity. This extraordinary project reflects our ambition to create meaningful cultural bridges through luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most sacred destinations.” — Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will occupy a prime location within the prestigious Jabal Omar master development, providing direct pedestrian access to the Haram, Islam’s holiest site. The hotel will feature 1,141 elegant rooms and suites across two towers – Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah North and Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah South – each offering breathtaking views of the Holy Mosque and the surrounding cityscape. Designed to blend French art de vivre with Saudi cultural heritage, the hotel will feature a collection of refined restaurants and lounges, executive meeting facilities and fitness centers. Across the towers, guests will discover six distinctive dining venues — including elegant all- day dining restaurants, a signature fine-dining destination celebrating French and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, and intimate lobby lounges perfect for gatherings and reflection. A Club Millésime executive lounge will provide exclusive experiences for distinguished guests, combining culinary craftsmanship with personalized service. Beyond dining, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will offer curated sensory experiences that celebrate both French refinement and the spiritual essence of Makkah — from thoughtful …

Rotana announced the signing of Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah, during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Dubai 2025, further cementing its position as a trusted partner in shaping the Middle East’s evolving hospitality landscape. The signing marks a major step in Rotana’s regional expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and addressing the growing demand for world-class hospitality experiences. With more than 79 operating properties across 29 cities and 14 countries, Rotana continues to deliver on its vision of offering exceptional guest experiences while contributing to national tourism and economic growth. Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah: A Landmark in the Heart of the Holy City set within one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious mixed-use developments and only steps from the AlMasjid AlHaram, Rotana Jabal Omar – Makkah will serve the millions of pilgrims and visitors who travel to the Holy City each year. Designed as a multi-tower complex, the hotel will combine modern comfort with Rotana’s signature hospitality, offering a wide selection of premium accommodation, dining venues, and facilities that meet the highest international standards. Rotana has mobilised specialised technical and operations teams to support the final stages of readiness and ensure a smooth transition to opening, alongside the ongoing recruitment of key leadership positions. These initiatives demonstrate Rotana’s commitment to operational excellence and the creation of empowered local teams in preparation for launch. Commenting on the new signing, Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, said: “This signing represents a defining moment in Rotana’s journey of growth across the Middle East and a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s hospitality landscape is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and we are proud to be part …

The Ministry of Tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Minister Hon. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has approved new policies and regulations to register workers and localise activities across all licensed tourism facilities in the Kingdom. The move aims to strengthen the contribution of Saudi nationals to the tourism sector, create new employment opportunities, and enhance overall service quality in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Under the new regulations, all employees at tourism establishments, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s systems before commencing work. Contracts, whether contractual, seconded, or seasonal, are to be documented via the Ajeer platform or other approved systems. Facilities with multiple branches must ensure employee records are linked to the correct licensed location. The policies also mandate that all tourism hospitality facilities have a Saudi receptionist on duty during working hours and prohibit outsourcing positions subject to Saudization decisions to entities or workers outside the Kingdom. Compliance will be strictly monitored, with penalties applied for violations in coordination with relevant government agencies. These measures are expected to empower national talent, improve service standards, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.

Middle Eastern travellers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are increasingly embracing cross-generational travel, with families spanning grandparents, parents, and children exploring destinations together. The trend reflects a growing desire to create lasting memories, combining leisure with meaningful experiences, said Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC, Skyscanner, at ITB Asia. Mountain escapes are emerging as a major draw, with 89% of Saudi travellers planning summer or autumn trips to mountainous regions. Destinations like Hokkaido in Japan, Turkey, Armenia, and Da Nang in Vietnam are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional ski-season holidays and appealing to travellers seeking escapism. Younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, are driving demand for diverse and adventurous experiences. Searches for Shanghai surged 285% year-on-year, while Da Nang rose 260%, reflecting growing interest in culturally rich destinations. Faster visa processing for countries like China is making Asian destinations more accessible, further boosting travel trends. With strong connectivity from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Europe and Asia, Middle Eastern travellers are expected to continue exploring a wide range of destinations in 2026, blending family bonding with adventure, culture, and immersive experiences.

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) showcased the Saudi Red Sea’s luxury experiences, yachting readiness, and investment opportunities as the next frontier in superyachting at the Monaco Yacht Show. With state-of-the-art marinas, luxury yacht clubs, and a world-class, growing coastal infrastructure, the Saudi Red Sea is emerging as the next must-visit destination for superyachts and luxury maritime experiences. Commenting at the Monaco Yacht Show, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “With $22.4 billion already committed, the Saudi Red Sea is backed by unprecedented investment and a clear ambition to set new standards in luxury and hospitality. Boasting over 1,800 KM of pristine coastline, we are ready to welcome the global yachting community with world-class infrastructure, pristine cruising grounds, and ultra-luxury experiences. The Monaco Yacht Show has been an excellent platform to highlight the Saudi Red Sea as the next frontier for superyachting – from the Med to the Red – and we look forward to welcoming more captains, crews, and visitors to our shores.” By 2030, the Saudi Red Sea will offer 80 hotels across The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, alongside the exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat. This year, new openings on Shura Island include the SLS, EDITION, and InterContinental resorts, all set to welcome guests in the coming weeks and mark a new era of luxury. Additionally, Shura Links, an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that hugs the coastline, recently opening this September, underscoring the Saudi Red Sea’s emergence as a premier destination for luxury experiences. At its 300 sqm pavilion, STA demonstrated Saudi’s advanced yachting infrastructure, including purpose-built facilities and fully serviced marinas designed for smooth operations and effortless arrivals. With streamlined entry, flexible routing, and luxury …

SLS The Red Sea is set to make its spectacular debut in Saudi Arabia with 150 rooms, suites, and villas, including 15 signature pool villas in November, bringing its unmistakable blend of theatrical flair, lavish style, and unapologetic spirit to Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea destination. Just 20 minutes from Red Sea International Airport by boat or seaplane and 25 minutes by car, SLS The Red Sea places guests at the centre of it all. The resort is a five-minute journey from Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, steps away from Shura Island’s yacht marina and high-end shopping and directly connected to The Red Sea’s coral reefs and marine reserves. With its bold spirit, world-class dining, and unapologetically playful energy, SLS is set to become Shura Island’s most exhilarating stage; not just a place to stay, but the place to be seen. SLS will shine as Shura’s vibrant epicentre where bold design, world-class dining, and electric energy collide to create the ultimate VIP experience. With The Red Sea’s outstanding natural beauty as its backdrop, the resort becomes a stage for the glamorous and the daring, and all those who crave the extraordinary. November marks the premiere of SLS The Red Sea, inviting guests to be the very first to experience its striking design, culinary artistry, and enviable style while more is being revealed scene by scene. Intimate and elevated, the opening act will set the tone for the showstopping grand reveal of the spectacular resort, which offers 150 rooms, suites, and villas, including 15 signature pool villas crafted for ultimate privacy and indulgence. Guests can indulge in five dynamic restaurants and bars, a see-and-be-seen pool …

Red Sea Global (RSG) officially opened Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Designed by renowned golf course architect Brian Curley and managed by Golf Saudi, the par-72, 7,400-yard course offers a distinct coastal links experience that celebrates the island’s natural topography. Eighteen holes wind through native mangroves and sweeping dunes before drifting along the Red Sea shoreline in typical links fashion. The course was designed for minimal environmental interference, reflecting RSG’s regenerative tourism values. “The opening of Shura Links is a landmark achievement in the Kingdom’s pursuit of global leadership in sports and tourism. It reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores PIF’s commitment to unlocking new sectors that diversify our economy and elevate the quality of life. Situated at the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Links is more than a world-class golf course — it is a powerful realization of how this unique destination can be transformed into an engine for investment, luxury tourism, and sustainable opportunities for future generations,” said H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi. A Social Hub Anchored by a Beachfront Clubhouse A vibrant focal point for golfers and visitors alike, the beachfront clubhouse serves as the heart of social life at Shura Links. Inspired by native flora and fauna, the clubhouse offers panoramic views across the eighteenth green and features elevated dining, retail, and relaxation areas designed to enhance the visitor experience. “Shura Links sets a new benchmark for the game of golf in the region. It’s more than just a course – it’s a place to connect, challenge yourself, and experience the full beauty of The Red Sea. This is another …