Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed an agreement with the Al Khozama Company to manage and ultimately brand Al Faisaliah Hotel, a design-led property in the Saudi capital.

In the latest stage of its expansion programme, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has struck a deal to take over management of Al Faisaliah Hotel in the first quarter of 2021.

Transforming and rebranding an existing hotel

Riyadh’s five-star Al Faisaliah Hotel is set to enter a new era as it transitions to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group management, while also undergoing an extensive renovation. A transformation of the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas is slated to be completed by the end of 2021. After this renovation work completes, the hotel will be branded Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.

“The Al Faisaliah Hotel has been a leading light in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector since opening its doors 20 years ago,” said Khalid Abuhaimed, CEO of Al Khozama. “We are pleased to be partnering with Mandarin Oriental to further develop the hotel and to create the most luxurious and sophisticated property in the region.”

“We are delighted to further strengthen Mandarin Oriental’s presence in the Middle East by introducing the brand to Saudi Arabia and bringing the group’s legendary service to Riyadh,” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “We look forward to collaborating with the Al Khozama Company in transforming the hotel into the city’s most exclusive luxury property.”

World-class design at the heart of Riyadh

The 321-key hotel is part of the mixed-use Foster + Partners-designed Al Faisaliah Centre and features new interiors by Tihany Design. Among the hospitality scheme’s facilities are a collection of refreshed restaurants, bars and lounges, along with revitalised event space, an indoor pool, a spa area and a fitness centre.

From the hotel’s location in the heart of Riyadh’s Central Business District, guests have easy access to corporate offices and government buildings, as well as the city’s high-end shopping outlets, cafes and restaurants.