Spotlight: Key Highlights from the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS)
This influx of international and domestic travelers, coupled with government initiatives to increase accommodations, has sustained growth in Saudi hospitality industry.
Saudi currently holds a hotel development portfolio valued at more than $110 billion. The growth is underpinned by a steady economic advancement, an influx of business and entertainment travelers, and a robust lineup of events, most notably Riyadh EXPO 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Together, these factors have fueled the expansion and diversification of the Saudi hotel industry.
This year’s Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), which has just concluded its fifth edition in Riyadh, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a key expansion destination for global investors and hotel operators.
Here is a recap of key signings and industry-leading partnerships announced at the FHS and their impact on the wider industry.
Key Hotel Signings Mark the Opening Day
This year’s edition, held under the theme "Where Vision Shapes Opportunity," officially opened with multiple high-profile partnership announcements that signaled continued growth and investor confidence in the Kingdom's hospitality sector.
IHG Hotels & Resorts partnered with Saudi developer Ashaad for three new properties: Hotel Indigo Jeddah Gate, InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra, and Voco Al Khobar Al Andalus. These developments will contribute more than 1,700 rooms to the hospitality landscape when they open between 2028 and 2030.
BWH Hotels revealed plans to create five new properties across Jeddah and Madinah in collaboration with Optimal Real Estate and Rsoukh Trading Co. Their flagship project includes a 540-room Best Western Premier hotel located just 600 meters from the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
Moreover, Amsa Hospitality unveiled a four-star hotel project in Qassim, working alongside Alkayan Alarabi. The 174-key property will occupy space within the Al-Kayan Avenue Mall on Al-Imam Al-Bukhari Road. Designed to serve both business and leisure travelers, it will include suites, meeting rooms, two restaurants, and a spa when operations commence in early 2026.
BWH Hotels Adds 1,000 Keys Across Strategic Locations
BWH Hotels' partnership emerged as one of the summit's most significant announcements.
The global operator owns five hotels between Jeddah and Madinah, representing about 1,000 keys in total.
Beyond their flagship Madinah property, BWH's plans include a luxury WorldHotels Elite development on Jeddah's prestigious King Road.
Often referred to as the "Golden Mile" due to its prime location, this complex will feature 215 guest rooms alongside approximately 300 office units in a mixed-use format. Three additional properties will operate under BWH's economy and midscale SureStay brand, with locations split between Jeddah and Madinah.
Radisson Hotel Group Expands Footprint in Saudi Arabia
Radisson Hotel Group arrives at the summit with substantial momentum in the Kingdom.
The company currently operates 47 properties in KSA, representing nearly half of its Middle East portfolio.
Recent milestones include opening the group's first hotel in Madinah and launching the 310-key Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in Riyadh Minhal.
Several additional properties are scheduled to open throughout 2025, including the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh Al Sahafa, the Radisson Hotel Jeddah Tahlia Street, the Radisson Collection Residence in Riyadh, and the Radisson Hotel & Residences in Makkah Thakher City.
Radisson’s expansion is marked by strategic partnerships, including an agreement with Knowledge Economic City for a Park Inn by Radisson in Madinah's Islamic World District.
Hospitality Sector Records a Rise in Saudization Rates
The hospitality sector has recorded 45% of the hospitality workforce, highlighting its crucial role in achieving Vision 2030 by creating employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Diriyah's development plans will create thousands of new hospitality jobs in the coming years. Once completed, their planned hotels will employ approximately 14,000-15,000 people across 5,500-6,000 new hotel keys.
Thirty-seven international hotel brands have already been officially announced for the project.
