DGDA adds 16 new global brands to hospitality portfolio
The company stated that Diriyah will be the first giga-project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion
Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has added 16 new global brands to its hospitality portfolio, bringing the total to 32 hotel management agreements, which includes some of the world’s most well-known and prestigious hotel brands.
In a statement, DGDA said that the first hotel is planned for 2023 and highlighted the signing of the new brands as testament to the pace of development at Diriyah. The company stated that Diriyah will be the first giga-project in the world to simultaneously open, ground-break and announce world class assets every year from 2022 until completion.
To this end, Diriyah has just announced the opening of two of its most significant locations: At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most important historical sites and a symbol of Saudi identity, as well as Bujairi Terrace, the highly anticipated premium dining destination overlooking At-Turaif, the statement added.
In early May 2022, the DGDA said it would transform Wadi Hanifah into a nature-focused getaway and, in early June 2022, Diriyah Gate and Saudi’s OSP inked a MoU to use sustainable polymer construction materials.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of DGDA stated: “We are excited to further Diriyah’s position as Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural epicenter by bringing international hoteliers to operate within Diriyah. Each and every hotel brand offers a special, distinctive experience for visitors, all united by a shared promise to provide a unique set of high-quality services measured to global standards for all of Diriyah’s guests.”
“The opening of these hotels signifies our ongoing promise to transform Diriyah into one of the greatest gathering places in the world, welcoming visitors from around the world into the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030’s aims and objectives.”
The 16 hotel brands slated to open will be situated across two of DGDA’s masterplan areas – Diriyah and Wadi Safar. The infrastructure of Diriyah’s first phase of hotel construction will feature an interpretation of the local landscape and traditional Najdi design themes, whereas the next phase will offer visitors a more evolved Najdi design experience. Both phases of Diriyah’s hospitality development plans will see a variety of luxury hotels open, characterised by cutting-edge design, top-class amenities, and superb customer service, the company said.
In July 2022, DGDA and SIRC signed a waste management agreement.
“Thai-rooted brand Anantara, part of Minor Hotels, will provide a window into the destination through its authentic experience-led hospitality. Corinthia Hotels seeks to build upon its hospitality legacy by delighting the senses of Diriyah’s travellers with great service and timeless design motifs within its first phase.
“Diriyah will also feature Marriott International’s EDITION Hotels which is a unique luxury collection of individualised hotels considered the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. The world-renowned Taj Hotels will offer guests a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. With the Langham, Diriyah, promises to captivate the senses with sophisticated and gracious hospitality, reflecting elegance in design, innovation, and sincere service. Waldorf Astoria Diriyah will bring a relentless commitment to elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences, and culinary expertise,” the statement continued.
Diriyah will also offer several upscale hotel options, it added: 1 Hotels, focused on sustainable luxury, has been designed using sustainable and local resources and operated in the most environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, Pendry Hotels and Resorts will add its renowned luxury touch to the city’s culture, offering authentic service tailored. Treehouse Hotel will offer guests a free-spirited, environmentally conscious lifestyle experience that creatively captures the carefree comfort, freedom, nostalgia, and fun of childhood.
In early October 2022, DGDA and NHC said they would collaborate on mutual areas that serve the housing sector.
Additionally, the giga-project’s hospitality masterplan will unveil several upscale lifestyle hotel choices including Hyatt Place and Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels. Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson RED brand will also be present.
As a place of natural beauty, Wadi Safar is nestled within 60sqkm of unspoilt desert landscape. It will feature hospitality brands such as Faena Group via a global venture with hospitality group Accor. Montage Hotels and Resorts, The Chedi by GHM Hotels, and Well Health Retreat, a resort dedicated to improving people’s health and well-being, round out the offerings at the Wadi, DGDA concluded.
