As the date of the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia We asked several industry leaders about their visions for the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia 2025.
Saudi Arabia is in a crucial moment of its hospitality journey. With Vision 2030 as the guiding framework, the Kingdom is not only investing in landmark developments but reshaping the entire role of hospitality in its economy—from enabling job creation and regional diversification to celebrating cultural heritage and improving quality of life.
Rotana is a UAE-based brand that has 79 properties in 28 cities and more than 20,000 rooms. Saudi Arabia is both a growth market for Rotana and a responsibility over the long term. We are expanding our presence with more than 3,300 key properties and 11 properties across the Kingdom.
This year, we announced the addition of 9 new properties across key cities including Riyadh, Al Baha and Jeddah—reinforcing our belief in the market’s enormous potential.
Change from Outbound to Inbound Kingdom Travel
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a boom in domestic tourism. The rise of international tourism has been a major force for the sector. Citizens and residents alike are increasingly exploring the Kingdom’s diverse destinations—from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea.
This demand is not only affecting the midscale and uppermidscale segments but also encouraging operators and hotels to create experiences that are authentic and reflect local tastes and preferences. At Rotana, we view this as an opportunity to serve communities from within—providing consistent service excellence while honoring the unique identity of each city we operate in.
Local Insights Help Support Expansion
Our growth strategy in Saudi Arabia is grounded in local knowledge. We are strengthening our operational capabilities by appointing Khaled Al-Jamal as Area Vice President and enhancing our support of new openings in the Kingdom.
This expansion isn’t about footprint alone—it’s about creating hotels that are embedded in their surroundings, that generate economic value, and that empower the next generation of Saudi talent.
Rethinking the Guest Loyalty
As the number of domestic travelers increases, so too do their expectations in terms of value, recognition, convenience, and comfort. The modern Saudi traveler—whether staying for business, leisure, or religious tourism—seeks more than just a room. They are looking for seamless digital experiences, personalized services, and meaningful rewards.
This partnership with Global Hotel Alliance and integration of GHA DISCOVERY is a direct answer to these needs. Rotana guests now benefit from global reach, flexible rewards, and exclusive experiences—whether they’re staying locally or traveling abroad. This is a reflection of our commitment to creating a loyalty eco-system that resonates beyond borders while providing tangible value in the home.
The Hospitality Starts with People
The human connection is the foundation of hospitality. As the Kingdom builds thousands of new keys, the question isn’t just where guests will stay—but who will welcome them.
Saudi Arabian youth is the future of our industry. Rotana invests in leadership, mentoring, and training programs to develop local talent. We’re equally committed to advancing equality for women across our teams. This includes creating paths to leadership in an industry that is rapidly evolving.
Shaping an Hospitality Model in the Region
Saudi Arabian hospitality won’t be shaped by imported formulas. It will be driven by those who are familiar with the culture of the region and its people. They also understand the importance of building trust in a consistent manner.
At Rotana, our six-brand portfolio—from luxury hotels to long-stay residences—allows us to meet evolving guest needs without compromising on quality or cultural relevance. We are proud to deliver ‘Treasured Time’ to every guest, and to play our part in shaping a uniquely Saudi hospitality story that resonates far beyond the Kingdom’s borders.
Anne Bleeker
In2 Consulting
+971 56 603 0886
The Bench
