Marriott International has begun the construction of new The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah hotel aiming for a grand opening in 2026. 

This Ritz-Carlton Diriyah is to be nestled in the heart of the $63 Billion Diriyah Giga Project, marking a significant milestone in Marriott's expansion in Saudi Arabia.

The five-star luxury hotel is anticipated to feature 195 guest rooms and 34 opulent suites, each offering a unique blend of comfort, luxury, and local culture.

The hotel is also due to feature a selection of fine dining restaurants, a fitness centre and a world class spa to help guests unwind in the spectacular historic location of Diriyah.

At-Turaif World Heritage Site

Diriyah, often called "The City of Earth," is a historic site just a 15-minute drive northwest of Riyadh. It also boasts the acclaimed At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site within its boundaries.

The CEO of Diriyah Co., Jerry Inzerillo, remarked, "Collaborating with Marriott International enables our guests to delve into the rich culture and experience the unique lifestyle of The City Of Earth."

Sandeep Walia, the Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International in the Middle East, stated, "Our portfolio continues to show significant advancement across Diriyah, and we're eager to introduce our beloved and renowned brands to one of the globe’s most anticipated cities of culture and heritage."

Nestled within the ancient city of Ad Diriyah, the At Turaif World Heritage Site is a historic landmark. It served as the ancestral abode of Saudi Arabia's royal family and was recognized as their dynasty's capital until 1818.

The Ritz-Carlton Branded Residences

To foster a harmonious community experience, Diriyah Company and Ritz-Carlton have also launched the first Ritz-Carlton Branded Residences in the Kingdom. 

These villas, available in three distinct luxury interior designs ranging from Najdi to contemporary, aim to promote social interaction through cultural venues, plazas, and leisure facilities.

The Villas are set to feature three unique high-end interior styles, spanning from Najdi to modern. Once the Diriyah Project is finalized, it will boast 20,000 living spaces, opulent hotels, and fine dining establishments.

Offering a variety of floor plans with three to five bedrooms, The Ritz-Carlton Residences provide an optimal living experience. Every villa has a courtyard, a perfect haven for residents to retreat and rejuvenate. 

Additionally, residents can select three interior designs, from classic Najdi to contemporary.

The architectural style of the villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences combines the rich Najdi heritage with luxurious amenities and leisure options. 

This offers a comforting lifestyle that beautifully merges wellness with a tranquil and private home in one of the world's most significant cultural and heritage sites.

Luxury Living at Residencies

The prestigious Ritz-Carlton legacy is poised to revolutionize the concept of opulent living in Diriyah, the most historic and culturally significant destination in the Kingdom.

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer (Middle East) at Marriott International, added that with the launch of these residences in Diriyah, the legacy of Ritz-Carlton “will become a lifestyle and elevate the meaning of luxury living in the Kingdom’s foremost historic cultural destination.”

More Luxury Hotels in Diriyah

Diriyah is set to welcome several other luxury hotels in the coming years: 

  • Marriott's Bab Samhan
  • Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah
  • Six Senses Wadi Safar

 

Marriott's Bab Samhan

Marriott's Bab Samhan, a part of the Marriott’s Luxury Collection Hotels, is slated to open in 2024. The hotel is designed in the warm mud-brick tones of local Najdi architecture and is within walking distance of the At-Turaif World Heritage Site.

It will include 106 individual rooms, 28 lavish suites, and a singular Royal Suite for an elevated luxury experience. Wellness facilities include a spa and an indoor swimming pool for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Additionally, the dining experience will be elevated by a restaurant managed by famed chef Michael Mina.

Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah

The Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah and other luxury hotels like the Address Diriyah and Capella Diriyah will be a part of the Diriyah Square, a retail hub welcoming more than 450 lifestyle and luxury brands.

Wadi Safar Project as The 'Bel Air' of Saudi Arabia

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority recently introduced the Wadi Safar project, which aims to transform Riyadh into an oasis. This project is set to house approximately 40 to 50 luxury homes, each priced at a minimum of $25 million, catering to a select clientele of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The community will have 106 guest rooms, 28 luxury suites, and an exclusive Royal Suite. Furthermore, it will include a relaxing spa, an indoor pool for recreational activities, and a dining facility supervised by the renowned chef, Michael Mina.

Six Senses Wadi Safar Resort

Set to open in 2026, the Six Senses Wadi Safar Resort is part of a larger 60-square-kilometer gated community. The resort promises to captivate guests with its breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic valley and its unique hilltop location, providing a blend of rich regional culture and modern luxury.

Nestled within the 49-acre gated community of Wadi Safar, often called the 'Bel Air' of Saudi Arabia, the hotel is set to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences that blend the area's rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. The grand opening of the resort is slated for 2026.

The resort is expected to house 80 guest accommodations strategically distributed in five groups atop a hill, ensuring guests enjoy unrivaled panoramic views of the breathtaking valley beneath.

The luxury resort is designed to provide recreational and relaxing amenities alongside royal residences, all carefully integrated into an extensive and natural setting. The master plan includes arrangements for hosting significant international events covering sports, arts, culture, retail, and fashion sectors.

This initiative will be the location for three premium vacation spots: Six Senses, Aman, and Oberoi. In addition, the region will be home to the freshly finished Eastern Gate, the Wadi Safar Experience Center, and the soon-to-be-opened Royal Diriyah Golf Club, a masterpiece by Greg Norman.

Oberoi Wadi Safar

The Oberoi is set to provide 60 guest accommodations and ten signature residences. The brand's unwavering dedication to superior hospitality within a tranquil environment and Six Senses' deliberate emphasis on sustainability and wellness encapsulates the Oberoi promise.

The internationally revered Oberoi brand will imprint its remarkable charm on this alluring terrain, presenting guests with distinguished hospitality and wealthy experiences.

Transformation of Diriyah

Diriyah is undergoing a transformative phase, evolving from a historic city into a cultural hub on the fringes of Riyadh.

"We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world's most anticipated cultural and heritage cities," said Sandeep Walia, COO of Marriott International in the Middle East.

Expanding the Tourism Horizon

The development of the Ritz-Carlton is a part of Saudi Arabia's strategic move to diversify its economy away from oil. As a part of this initiative, Diriyah has been identified as Saudi Arabia's fifth giga-project. Other significant projects include NEOM, the Red Sea Giga Project.

Marriott's Expansion in Saudi Arabia

Marriott International is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia with 40 planned hotels, offering more than 11,000 rooms and expanding into new luxury destinations such as NEOM and The Red Sea.

The expansion includes luxury brands, including W Trojena and JW Marriott in NEOM, Autograph Collection, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and several new hotels in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The Autograph Collection, Sindalah

The Autograph Collection, set to debut in Sindalah by 2024, is poised to emerge as one of the most captivating havens in the Red Sea. It will feature 66 luxurious rooms and suites, encompassing one- and two-bedroom villas. 

Visitors can anticipate many culinary choices, a dedicated children's club, and a revitalizing spa experience. As the pioneering member of a group of islands earmarked for development in NEOM, Sindalah is set to evolve into one of the most enchanting sanctuaries within the Red Sea region.

Ritz-Carlton Al Khobar

The introduction of The Ritz-Carlton Al Khobar during the esteemed Cityscape event in Riyadh marks a notable expansion in Saudi Arabia's high-end hospitality industry. 

This resort, which affords stunning views of the captivating Arabian Gulf, signifies the inaugural presence of Ritz-Carlton in Saudi Arabia's eastern region. Spanning an expansive area of 99,917 square meters, the resort is constructed to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.

It includes 130 sophisticated hotel rooms and suites, including villas and 48 chalets, standing ready to serve discerning guests after a fusion of comfort, luxury, and authentic local culture.

The Autograph Collection Hotel, AlUla

Marriott International is partnering with the AlUla Development Company to expand its renowned Autograph Collection brand into Saudi Arabia.

The hotel is anticipated to accommodate an impressive 250 rooms and suites. Visitors can expect a wide range of leisure and entertainment options. 

The hotel's blueprints encompass four gastronomic venues, a comprehensive-service spa, a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a business hub, meeting facilities, and retail areas.

The facilities at the Autograph Collection Hotel are crafted to offer guests an exclusive mix of luxury and comfort, enhanced by AlUla's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery.

Marriott's Holy Cities Expansion

Marriott International plans to increase its room capacity by over 7,000 in the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The corporation is preparing for substantial expansion by launching two Fairfield Inn establishments in Makkah, adding close to 4,000 keys. 

It also plans to set up a 1,000-room Aloft in Makkah, which will be the largest property of the brand worldwide, and inaugurate two Courtyard by Marriott hotels with over 500 rooms in both locales. 

In Madinah, a recent collaboration was formed with PIF-funded Rua Al-Madinah for eight projects under the Rua Al-Madinah initiative. This includes the introduction of a new Sheraton establishment, which will house over 600 rooms.

Marriott NEOM Trojena Hotels

Marriott International is set to inaugurate the first Marriott’s W Hotel and JW Marriott Hotel in Trojena's Lake Village.

W Hotel Trojena

The futuristic W Hotel Trojena is set to house 236 guest rooms and 47 suites, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and freshwater lake.

The W Hotel will be right by the water in Lake Village, a multifaceted center for residence, hospitality, and commerce. 

Lake Village will boast a unique 2.8-kilometer-long man-made lake, a mesmerizing forest, and a variety of waterside recreational activities, promising a range of unique experiences for both locals and tourists.

JW Marriott Trojena

The JW Marriott in Trojena is a futuristic water world blending nature with technology and promises various entertainment and recreational offerings.

The hotel plans to provide 500 high-end rooms, suites, and leisure and amusement facilities. 

Marriott International's inauguration of the inaugural W Hotel and JW Marriott in Trojena, Saudi Arabia, persistently revolutionizes the deluxe hospitality industry.

Ambitious Vision

The development of the Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, and other luxurious establishments signifies Saudi Arabia's audacious plan to evolve into an international center for tourism and culture.

By 2030, Diriyah is set to transform into a symbol of opulence and cultural richness in Saudi Arabia. The focus is on maintaining their cultural legacy while promoting a sense of luxury and elegance.

Continue Reading: Six Senses Unveils Six Senses Wadi Safar Hotel In Diriyah