Just under a month remains until the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia Riyadh is gearing up to host three days of business, learning, debate, and networking for investors, developers and government decision-makers.
Nearly 300 investors – almost one in four of all delegates – attended last year’s event, which created more than US$1.1 billion worth of business opportunities and saw 17 deals signed. KSA’s tourism and hospitality transformation is in full swing, and in line Vision 2030. It has set the stage for new partnerships, collaborations and signings to take place at FHS Saudi Arabia.
Before FHS Saudi Arabia I interviewed leaders from Taiba Investments Al Khozama Investment Company Baraka and AlNahla Group to get their perspective on investing in KSA. You can read on to get an insight into where these investors are headed, the importance of hotel projects in Saudi Arabia’s overall real-estate offering, and how tourism targets can met.
Investment opportunities in KSA seem endless due to unprecedented growth of real estate, tourism, and hospitality. What do investors focus on when it comes to location and asset classes?
Taiba Investments aims to achieve sustainable growth in the hospitality, real estate and tourism sectors by expanding into key hubs such as Riyadh and Makkah. They also want to enhance KSA’s reputation as a leading global destination. The company plans to expand its portfolio through the opening of several hotels including Rixos Ohur Jeddah Makarem burj Al Madinah Crowne Plaza Takhassusi Sheraton Madinah Novotel Madinah Riyadh Marriot Hotel Mursalat.
Al Khozama Investment Company has said that it is selective in its expansion and values-driven. “We only invest in areas that offer us the opportunity to distinguish ourselves through luxury hotels, fine-dining or lifestyle assets. Khalid AbuHaimed is CEO of Al Khozama Investment Company. “Our goal is to not only grow but also to raise the bar in hospitality everywhere we operate.”
Baraka’s investment strategy is focused on developing transformative mixed use destinations that integrate culture, community and sustainability. Ebrahim al Qassab is the Projects Director. He said, “Our current focus in Jeddah with strategic plans to extend into other major cities throughout the Kingdom.” We are committed in launching new projects that are aligned with Vision 2030 and creating spaces that redefine how people live, connect, and work.
AlNahla Group has a large investment in KSA. This includes diverse investments in real-estate, hospitality, banking, finance, automotive and trade. “With a considerable land bank, major real estate developments are underway, including mixed-use and specialised projects, residential, retail, hotels, branded apartments, F&B and offices. Mega Project Consultant Mounib Hamoud stated that Jeddah is the primary focus, but there are also projects in Medina & Taif.
According to the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia, the real estate transformation in the country is creating investment opportunities worth more than US$25 Billion. This includes building and contractor services. I wonder how important hospitality and tourism investments are to KSA’s real estate offering.
“The real estate transformation of the country has already made the Kingdom a global leader for innovation, sustainability, economic diversification, and the real estate sector. The hospitality market will be shaped by hosting global events such as EXPO 2030, the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and other major international events over the next ten years. While developing tourism and hospitality projects boosts tourism infrastructure and enhances hospitality offerings. It also generates demand in other sectors, and improves the quality of life.
Luc Delafosse believes that tourism and hospitality play a key role in real estate for the residential, business, and leisure market. Al Khozama Investment Company is expanding its offering to meet market demands for the present and future.
Saudi Arabia received 30 million tourists from abroad in 2015 and is on course to welcome 70 million visitors per year by 2030. I asked our contributors what factors must be taken into account to ensure these goals are achieved—and sustained?
Baraka says that for sustainable tourism to grow, it is important to have a foundation built on infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability, and cultural integration. Ebrahim al Qassab said: “At Baraka our developments are designed for community-driven urban plans, with a focus sustainable practices to preserve Saudi Arabia’s heritage and the environment. We believe that combining authentic cultural experiences with high-quality amenities will not just attract visitors, but create destinations of lasting value that will benefit residents and tourists alike.
Mounib Hammoud, AlNahla Group, added: “The tourism industry’s success and sustainability is dependent on the infrastructure and regulation of the sector. It is important to modernise and diversify the hotel stock.
Our contributors agree that Saudi Arabia is an ideal place for investment. But what are the best areas for growth in the tourism and hospitality industry?
Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi of Taiba said that Saudi Arabia’s Tourism industry, in particular the hospitality sector is expected to flourish in the coming year as part Saudi Vision 2030. Major projects in the nation represent new destinations for cultural tourism, entertainment tourism, and sportstourism. The religious tourism sector in the country has recovered remarkably since COVID. Taiba Investment is a strategic company with a goal to develop integrated project, and leverage government efforts in developing infrastructure for major city projects to improve the visitor experience.
Alaa AlFarran, Director of Marketing & Communication at Al Khozama Investment Company, believes that most exciting growth lies in offering experiences that reflect who we are. Saudi Arabia’s natural advantage is the shift towards authentic, culturally rooted service. We are Saudis and we’re known for being generous. Our DNA is rooted in hospitality. When we design spaces that feel sincere, welcoming, and meaningful, we’re not just hosting visitors—we’re building lasting emotional connections.”
AlNahla’s Mounib Hamid says that each of the planned and existing tourism destinations offers a unique proposition in terms of quality, and is aimed at a specific type of tourist – local or international, and from all walks of life.
Baraka says that the Saudi Arabian tourism industry is entering a brand new era. “We see enormous growth potential in ecotourism, cultural heritage, lifestyle communities and branded residences. In line with our long-term plan, we are committed to Vision 2030 and ensure our developments enhance the hospitality and tourism industry in the Kingdom. We aim to increase the global appeal and attractiveness of Saudi Arabia by creating sustainable and culturally rich destinations.
FHS Saudi Arabia takes place 11-13 May at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Investor’s Passes for FHS Saudi Arabia offer a variety of benefits, such as access to the Investors’ Lounge or 1:1 meetings pre-arranged, and invitations to private events. Visit the dedicated website Investor page on our website for full details.
Anne Bleeker
In2 Consulting
+971 56 603 0886
The Bench
