Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is off to a strong start in 2026, with several high-profile hotel openings and announcements aligning with the Kingdom’s record-breaking tourism performance last year. In 2025, tourism spending in Saudi Arabia crossed SAR 300 billion (approx. USD 80 billion), up from SAR 282 billion in 2024, according to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb in a recent interview during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The country welcomed 122 million domestic and international tourists—up from 116 million in 2024—including 30 million inbound travellers, positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s top 10 tourism destinations.
This tourism surge, attributed to the continued rollout of flagship projects like Red Sea resorts, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, is now being matched by a parallel boom in hospitality infrastructure, with both global and regional brands deepening their presence in the Kingdom.
Sofitel Enters Riyadh
The year kicked off with the launch of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, marking the French luxury brand’s entry into the Saudi capital. The 388-room hotel aims to serve both business and leisure travellers. It features the Princess Nouf International Convention Centre, the city’s largest luxury convention facility, with capacity for up to 4,000 guests.
Talking about the opening this week, Fadeel Wehbe, managing director of Sofitel Riyadh. Said, “Riyadh is a vibrant metropolis at the forefront of cultural and economic transformation. Combining Sofitel’s hallmark French zest with Riyadh’s rich traditions, we aim to provide guests with a space that is both inspiring and luxurious.”
Fairmont Heads to the Red Sea
Further strengthening Accor’s regional presence, Fairmont The Red Sea is set to open mid-2026, adjacent to an 18-hole golf course and nestled within a protected archipelago of 90+ islands. With 193 guest rooms and six dining venues, including an overwater restaurant, the resort will reflect Fairmont’s upscale eco-luxury positioning and offer a gateway to the region’s marine biodiversity and archaeological heritage.
ENVI Brings Wellness to Taif
In a first for the Kingdom’s mountain regions, ENVI Al Shafa will open in December 2026 near Taif, offering wellness-focused stays at over 2,000m altitude. The eco-lodge will include private villas with panoramic views, a culinary studio, chef’s garden, and a meditation zone, catering to families and wellness travellers.
Chris Nader, co-founder of ENVI Lodges remarked, ““ENVI Al Shafa is a sanctuary in the clouds. It’s a multi-generational wellbeing experience that supports our mission to create immersive escapes aligned with Vision 2030.”
Dusit to Open First Saudi Property
Thailand’s Dusit International will also open its first Saudi hotel, Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, in Riyadh this year as part of a broader regional expansion. This follows the company’s strong 2025 performance, with 24 hotel signings and more than 1,400 rooms planned across the Middle East and Asia. The group has also signed a hotel project in the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, reinforcing its focus on culturally and environmentally significant destinations.
Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted that Saudi Arabia led G20 nations in tourism growth over the past five years, with ongoing investments in aviation, infrastructure, and international connectivity continuing to attract both developers and travellers. With flagship events, expanding air routes, and a global positioning push, 2026 is expected to accelerate the hospitality pipeline even further. The recent hotel openings and upcoming launches are a strong signal that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions are now materialising on the ground—one luxury suite at a time.
