Rosewood to open second hotel in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Render of Rosewood Riyadh
730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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Rosewood to open second hotel in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts accelerates its strategic global growth with the announcement of Rosewood Riyadh, a new-build luxury hotel, which will open in 2025 within a progressive mixed-use development project…

Render of Rosewood Riyadh

Situated adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Rosewood Riyadh, slated to open in 2025, will be located within Diriyah Gate, a mixed-use development project poised to become the country’s leading cultural and lifestyle destination. The 250-key hotel is destined to bring a new level of luxury to the local and regional hospitality landscape and present an exceptional opportunity for both business and leisure travellers to immerse themselves in one of the Middle East’s most important cities. 

Rosewood Riyadh is the latest expression of Rosewood’s ambitious global expansion strategy, which currently includes 25 properties in the pipeline in areas such as Mexico City, London, Madrid and Japan. The hotel will mark the brand’s second property in Saudi Arabia, joining Rosewood Jeddah, and fourth in the region, including Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Doha opening in 2022.

“We are thrilled to further our presence in the Middle East with an opening in Riyadh, a historic trade hub and exemplar of 21st century vision, that is now a major destination for international business and cultural exploration,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “The Diriyah Gate development is bringing the destination to an expanded international audience of discerning travellers and we’re excited to be a part of the city’s continued evolution and commitment to redeveloping heritage areas for future generations.” 

“Rosewood will bring a level of refinement to Diriyah, mirroring the past whilst providing guests with the excitement of the future, in the same way Diriyah will lead travellers from Saudi’s historical past to the present,” said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA. “The exclusive nature of the Rosewood experience will bring excitement to Diriyah through the development of their renowned wellness offerings, famed Explorers Club and F&B talent. Guests will be immersed in a cultural journey spanning the centuries through the joint efforts of Diriyah and the Rosewood team; we are excited to unveil more in the coming months.”

The largest city on the Arabian Peninsula and the political and administrative centre of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a dynamic destination rich with history. Boasting myriad cultural institutions from forts and palaces to museums and marketplaces, the metropolis attracts a wide range of nearly five million visitors each year. Nestled around the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Diriyah Gate is set to underscore Riyadh’s status as a Middle East magnet for travellers.  It also provides a perfect canvas for the Rosewood brand to express its A Sense of Place concept and celebrate its unique location. 

In addition to Rosewood, the inspired set of heritage, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences at Diriyah Gate will include a culinary centre, cinema, art academy and more, with all buildings showcasing their own interpretations of the destination’s iconic Najdi style. By honouring this traditional architectural typology while incorporating modern principles of New Urbanism, the development aims to revitalise the area for locals and tourists alike while protecting its history. 

The hotel itself will occupy a standalone building boasting 250 ultra-luxury accommodations, including 202 guestrooms and suites and 48 Wadi Suites ranging from one to three bedrooms. The property will further feature four restaurants and bars; Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept; and Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s culturally inspired children’s club. Additional recreation will span a state-of-the-art fitness center and expansive meetings and events spaces including a ballroom. Visitors will enjoy exceptional access to many of the city’s key landmarks, lifestyle activities, and corporate destinations via Rosewood Riyadh’s prime positioning within the development. 

Rosewood Riyadh adds to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ impressive global growth plan and is the eighth property opening announced by the brand in 2021, a testament to the hospitality group’s vitality and vision. Additional projects that have recently been added to the pipeline include Rosewood properties in Rome, Miyakojima, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Mexico City, and San Francisco.

Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Hamish Kilburn / 02.12.2021

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