Diriyah Gate doubles development’s hotel brands

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), responsible for the transformation of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, has attracted 16 additional hotel brands to have a presence in the new district.

With 16 global marques already in the offing, the latest signings have doubled the development’s hotel management agreements to 32.

Continuous development

The first hotel is planned to open in 2023, with Diriyah Gate claiming to be the first gigaproject in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce assets every year from 2022 until completion.

The 16 hotel brands slated to open will be situated across two of DGDA’s masterplan areas – Diriyah and Wadi Safar. The infrastructure of Diriyah’s first phase of hotel construction will feature an interpretation of the local landscape and traditional Najdi design themes, whereas the next phase will offer visitors a more evolved Najdi design experience. Both phases of Diriyah’s hospitality development plans will see a variety of luxury hotels open.

Diriyah sites

In Diriyah, Thai-rooted brand Anantara, part of Minor Hotels, will open the 250-key hotel Anantara Diriyah Hotel in Q1 2025. Corinthia Hotels’ Corinthia Hotel Diriyah Gate will follow in 2027.

Diriyah will also feature Marriott International’s Edition Hotels with a property scheduled to complete in 2027, at the same time as a luxury Taj Hotels site. The Langham, Diriyah, a 200-room and suites site, will become part of the Diriyah Gate development in 2026. Waldorf Astoria Diriyah Gate will follow in 2027.

Upscale options

Diriyah will also offer several upscale hotel options providing travellers with comfortable and convenient choices. 1 Hotels, focused on sustainable luxury and celebrating nature, will be designed using sustainable and local resources and operated in the most environmentally friendly manner when it opens in 2027. Additionally, Pendry Hotels & Resorts will add its luxury touch to the city’s culture in the same timeframe. Treehouse Hotel will offer guests an environmentally conscious lifestyle experience, also due to open in 2027.

Furthermore, Diriyah’s hospitality masterplan will unveil several upscale lifestyle hotel choices in 2027 including Hyatt Place, combining style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for travellers; while Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels will offer an affordable and stylish hotel experience. Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson Red brand will present a playful twist on the conventional as part of its ‘prepare to be inspired’ motto.

Wadi Safar’s slate

Wadi Safar is set to welcome several prestigious hotel brands, including Faena Group; via a global venture with hospitality group Accor; Faena Hotel will bring their holistic environment creation anchored in cultural experiences to Wadi Safar.

Montage Hotels & Resorts will offer comfortable elegance, a sense of place and spirit, and culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. The Chedi, by GHM Hotels, will bring 150 keys online in Q1 2027. The same room count and opening timeframe will apply to Well Health Retreat, a resort dedicated to improving people’s health and well-being.

Distinctive experiences

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of DGDA, stated:“We are excited to further Diriyah’s position as Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural epicentre by bringing international hoteliers to operate within Diriyah. Each and every hotel brand offers a special, distinctive experience for visitors, all united by a shared promise to provide a unique set of high-quality services measured to global standards for all of Diriyah’s guests.

“The opening of these hotels signifies our ongoing promise to transform Diriyah into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, welcoming visitors from around the world into the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s aims and objectives.”

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