Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector is firing on all cylinders. According to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Oxford Economics, hotel occupancy across the Kingdom reached 63% in Q1 2025, rising from 60.9% a year earlier. Nearly 39,000 new jobs were created in the sector during the same period, pushing total tourism employment to approximately 983,000. The average daily rate for hotels stood at around USD 127 (SAR 477). Backed by over USD 1 trillion in planned tourism investments through 2030 under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is rapidly reinventing its desert landscapes as hubs of high-end hospitality, culture, and innovation. In this climate of transformation, Aman’s latest project feels like both a response to and a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s bold ambitions.
Peace and luxury at the edge of Diriyah
Enter Amansamar. Aman Group has announced Amansamar, an ultra-luxury resort and residences in Wadi Safar near Diriyah, Riyadh. The tranquil new resort and branded residences is now under construction in Wadi Safar, just outside Riyadh and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah. The name itself, meaning “the peaceful acacia tree,” conjures images of quiet strength and serenity in arid lands — an apt metaphor for a property designed to be a sanctuary within the Saudi landscape. Led by the celebrated Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, the 80-key hotel will embody Aman’s hallmark values of minimalism, peace, and privacy. Low-slung architecture, natural light, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces will allow the design to sit gently within its desert surroundings.
Beyond the hotel, Amansamar will offer a limited collection of Aman-branded residences — ultra-luxury five- to six-bedroom homes thoughtfully positioned across cliff edges and desert terrain. Each estate starts at around 9,000 square metres, with architecture designed to maximize sunlight and panoramic views while maintaining privacy and intimacy. The property will feature a full suite of luxury experiences, including a holistic Aman Spa complete with hammam, banya houses, and hydrotherapy facilities. A range of culinary concepts will be integrated throughout the resort, alongside leisure offerings such as a Racquet Club, multiple pools, and a Kids’ Club. Homeowners will gain access to an exclusive Residence Club and receive invitations to Aman’s global private member network — with locations in Tokyo, New York, and Bangkok.
Anchoring a regional wave
Amansamar joins a rising constellation of Aman destinations in the region, including Janu Diriyah and Aman AlUla in Saudi Arabia, as well as Aman Dubai and Janu Dubai in the UAE. Most recently, Aman also announced Amangati, a 183-metre luxury motor yacht being developed with Cruise Saudi — a first for the brand and a bold new chapter for Saudi’s luxury tourism offering.
