Four Seasons to open hotel in Saudi Arabia

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) to open a new luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia.

The property will be located in Diriyah in the Riyadh province, 15 minutes north-west of Riyadh’s city centre.

It will form part of the Diriyah development, a mixed-use urban community which, when finished, will comprise 13 districts featuring an array of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, office and residential areas, including 38 hotels, a collection of museums and over 100 places to dine.

Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, will be located along the Wadi Hanifah escarpment, with views towards the west and the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, which is recognised as one of the world’s foremost mud-brick cities.

The property will offer approximately 150 rooms and suites as well as expansive meeting and event spaces, a wellness spa with seven treatment rooms and a fitness centre, and two outdoor pools with private cabanas. The hotel will also feature four culinary outlets, including a poolside restaurant and sunset lounge.

The Diriyah development is said to be a key driver of the destination’s Saudi Vision 2030.

The area has been designed in an authentic Najdi architectural style, typical of Saudi villages of the past, including low-rise, compact architecture, rooftop terraces, decorated doors and large courtyards.

Each district within the development will be highly walkable with easy connections to the sights and attractions within the area. Upon completion, it will reportedly be one of the Middle East’s most walkable, pedestrianised cities, and the world’s largest cultural and heritage site.

It is expected to be home to a population of 100,000 residents, workers, students and visitors.

“Diriyah is an exceptional project that speaks to the tremendous growth and economic development in the region, while remaining deeply rooted in the destination’s historic and cultural past,” said Bart Carnahan, president of global business development and portfolio management at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

“Saudi Arabia is an important growth market for Four Seasons, and we are proud to be part of Diriyah’s exciting future. We look forward to partnering with DGDA to bring the Four Seasons luxury experience to life within this iconic, landmark development.”

DGDA’s group chief executive Jerry Inzerillo added: “It is a delight to be partnering with Four Seasons. Renowned for their unforgettable guest experiences, Four Seasons is working alongside DGDA to elevate what travellers can experience within Diriyah, showcasing their timeless approach to hospitality whilst staying true to Diriyah’s rich cultural past. We are excited to share further developments on this project in the coming months.”

Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah will join the brand’s growing portfolio of properties in the Middle East. It will be a short drive from the existing Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre.