IHG Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Presence in Saudi Arabia with New Developments, Get the Details Here

Published on November 26, 2025

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG Hotels & Resorts) marked a historical event in Saudi Arabia, as it celebrates 50 years of service in the Kingdom. With the launch of the InterContinental Riyadh in 1975, IHG has become the top hospitality service provider in the region. Currently, the firm has over 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia, either operational or in the process of being built. The company’s expansion is a testimony of the increase in tourism in the Kingdom as well as the company’s growing partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which works to improve the economy and make the country a tourism magnet.

As a response to the commemoration, IHG announced several new investments, and the company’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia and the potential of the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Major new developments or repositioning of hotels in Saudi Arabia demonstrate IHG’s confidence in the Kingdom’s changing tourism industry which IHG is helping to shape.

Expansion of IHG’s Hotel Portfolio Across Saudi Arabia

IHG’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is part of the country’s broader efforts to attract 150 million visitors by 2030. This growth strategy aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into a world-class tourist destination, relying heavily on the development of its tourism, entertainment, and cultural sectors. IHG’s approach is multi-faceted, spanning luxury, lifestyle, premium, and essential hotels to meet the demands of modern travelers, whether they are looking for lavish, world-class experiences or affordable, high-quality options.

IHG’s upcoming developments include high-profile projects such as the InterContinental Red Sea Resort, which will be a flagship property for the company. In addition to new openings, IHG has committed to significant renovations and upgrades for its existing properties, including the InterContinental Riyadh, which will receive a facelift to keep up with evolving guest expectations.

The expansion of IHG’s portfolio is not only focused on major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah but also on emerging destinations throughout Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion is crucial for meeting the rising demand for quality accommodations in both established tourism hubs and newly developed areas, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains competitive in the global tourism market.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Enhancing Guest Experience and Tourism Infrastructure

IHG’s role in Saudi Arabia goes beyond just providing accommodations. The company is deeply invested in creating experiences that reflect Saudi culture, ensuring that their offerings feel contemporary while rooted in local traditions. IHG aims to act as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s new era of tourism, supporting the Kingdom’s long-term goals of sustainable growth and cultural preservation.

With the Kingdom’s focus on improving its tourism infrastructure, IHG is working closely with both government and private-sector partners to ensure that its investments contribute to the overall development of the hospitality industry. This includes the creation of jobs for Saudi nationals, with nearly half of IHG’s Saudi workforce being local talent, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting the nation’s employment and skills development initiatives.

Workforce Development: Fostering Saudi Talent in the Hospitality Industry

A key focus of IHG’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is the development of local talent. The company has implemented various talent development initiatives, such as the “Masarona by IHG” program, which is designed to fast-track Saudi nationals into leadership roles within the company. This program is part of IHG’s broader efforts to create career paths for young Saudis and ensure that the hospitality industry can thrive with local expertise at the forefront.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia at IHG, emphasized that the company’s success in Saudi Arabia over the past five decades is due in large part to its deep-rooted partnerships with the local community. He explained that the company’s focus is on long-term growth that brings lasting value to the Kingdom, both in terms of its business operations and its community contributions. This partnership approach aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, where both the public and private sectors work together to drive economic diversification and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism leader.

Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector with World-Class Brands

IHG’s growth strategy is designed not only to expand the number of properties in Saudi Arabia but also to bring world-class brands to the Kingdom. In addition to its luxury and premium offerings under InterContinental, Kimpton, and Regent, IHG is introducing brands like Six Senses, Vignette Collection, voco, and EVEN Hotels, each of which brings a unique appeal to different types of travelers.

For instance, Six Senses caters to wellness-focused travelers, offering a luxurious, eco-conscious stay that focuses on sustainability, while Kimpton is known for its bold design and modern amenities, appealing to younger, design-conscious travelers. The Vignette Collection will bring boutique-style luxury, while voco focuses on providing a blend of upscale yet affordable stays in urban settings.

By offering a variety of brands across different segments, IHG is well-positioned to cater to the full spectrum of visitors coming to Saudi Arabia as part of the country’s efforts to attract international tourists. Whether it’s luxury travelers looking for bespoke experiences or business tourists seeking modern accommodations, IHG’s diverse portfolio ensures that all needs are met.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

As IHG continues to expand its footprint across Saudi Arabia, the company is confident that its investments will play a vital role in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism goals. With a growing number of international visitors and a focus on enhancing the quality of local tourism experiences, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travelers from around the world.

The expansion of IHG’s hotel offerings is a clear signal of the Kingdom’s readiness to accommodate this influx of visitors and the commitment of international brands to partner with Saudi Arabia in realizing Vision 2030. This vision includes developing the tourism industry as a key pillar of economic diversification, and IHG’s long-term strategy aligns with these national aspirations.

A Strong Future for Saudi Tourism and Hospitality

IHG is set to begin its half-century milestone in its relational commerce in Saudi Arabia. Currently, the company’s sustained expansion is devoted to the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector. the Saudi Arabia tourism industry and specifically the hospitality sector requires diversification of hotel brands, focus on local manpower, and dedication to the brands of said hotels. As the Kingdom progresses to the goal of establishing the ambition of 2026 tourism for the Kingdom IHG will sustain the shaping of the hospitality sector. The hospitality industry will focus on touristic offers to both internal and overseas tourists.