After its The Langham, Jeddah project was put on indefinite hold, the firm is trying again in Saudi Arabia with the announcement of The Langham, Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Natural preservation
The deal with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) calls for a 200 room and suites site to be part of the Diriyah Gate development in 2026.
The Langham, Diriyah, Riyadh and the surrounding pedestrian-centric city, will become a modern tribute to the past, celebrating traditional Nadji architecture and preserving the natural elements of Diriyah.
Fine dining
Onsite at the hotel will be a Langham Club Lounge and two new dining options complementing the planned luxury destination dining district of Bujairi Terrace, including the first Middle Eastern outpost of the three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, T’ang Court.
The Langham’s signature afternoon tea will also be offered as an homage to the first afternoon tea served when The Langham opened in London in 1865. New tea traditions will be created, as Middle Eastern tea and coffee culture are honoured, amidst patisserie and brunch fayre. Plus the first international outpost of The Langham London’s cooking school, Sauce, will also make its debut.
Art experience
Interiors will be created to form an art gallery experience curated throughout the hotel.
For relaxation, the Langham Chuan Spa will offer a holistic wellness concept which embraces the healing philosophies of traditional chinese medicine, while men’s and ladies’ pool decks will also be available.
Rich heritage
Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO, DGDA commented: “Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom, is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, we are very excited to bring the The Langham brand to Diriyah in collaboration with Langham Hospitality Group.
“The Langham group claims a rich history dating back to 1865 and we look forward to working with them to bring Diriyah’s rich heritage to life for our visitors and helping them build great memories together.”
Landmark locations
Brett Butcher, CEO, Langham Hospitality Group, said: “Langham Hospitality Group is delighted to be partnering with the DGDA to bring The Langham to Saudi Arabia’s foremost historic cultural and lifestyle destination. For our first foray into the Kingdom, we’re delighted to be part of a vision where The Langham’s proud traditions in hospitality will become integral to a 21st century vision that positions Riyadh on the global stage as an authentic and unique destination.
“The year 2026 will be a momentous year in Langham Hospitality Group’s strategic growth plans as we officially open in two landmark locations with The Langham, Venice on the European continent and in the Middle East with The Langham, Diriyah.”
The brand will also be debuting in Japan in 2025 with The Langham, Tokyo as well as bolstering its west coast US footprint with The Langham, San Francisco and The Langham, Seattle in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
