Aman to bolster Saudi Arabia portfolio with two new properties

Aman Group is set to bolster its portfolio in Saudi Arabia with two additional hotels expected to open in 2026 in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Diriyah Gate is a $20 billion heritage and tourism project situated 20 minutes northwest of Riyadh’s city centre, which aims to transform the historic town of Diriyah into a mixed-use historic, culture and lifestyle destination.

Aman Wadi Safar will be located in the desert near the city of Riyadh and will feature a 78-key Aman hotel and 34 branded residences. Amenities will include a large Aman Spa and an array of dining experiences.

Architecture and design will be spearheaded by Denniston Architects, which worked on the recent opening of Aman New York, and will be inspired by the hotel's natural environment, incorporating traditional Najdi design elements.

The second property will fall under Aman’s sister brand, Janu, which was unveiled in 2020 and intends to encourage “connectedness and shared experiences”.

Janu Diriyah will be located close to the Unesco World Heritage Site of At Turaif, close to the city of Riyadh.

The property will comprise 120 rooms, a spa and a range of dining options and experiences.

Aman Group already has three properties in the pipeline in the city of AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Of these, two will be Aman hotels and one will be Janu-branded.

Aman Group also recently unveiled Project Sama, the brand's first luxury motor yacht being developed in partnership with Cruise Saudi, which will offer voyages in the Red Sea, as well as in the Mediterranean.

Chairman and chief executive Vlad Doronin said the Diriyah Gate announcement marked a “continuation” of the brand’s “commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

“Aman Wadi Safar and Janu Diriyah Gate build upon Aman Group’s existing pipeline of properties in Saudi Arabia and reinforce my strategic vision to offer our clients the opportunity to experience the breadth of this fascinating, and previously undiscovered country with journeys that encompass city experiences, remote desert landscapes and Unesco Heritage Sites,” he said.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority group chief executive Jerry Inzerillo added: “We are very proud to launch Diriyah’s partnership with Aman, delivering two outstanding projects in Wadi Safar and Diriyah. Diriyah, the City of Earth, will be the world’s largest cultural and heritage destination and these projects will enhance our luxury offerings to guests who come to explore our identity.

“Aman Group [has] developed these projects by harnessing our unique setting at the heart of 300 years of Saudi history, while embracing our shared future as a city and a community. We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of our journey together.”

Image: Rendering of Aman Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia