IHG Marks Fifty Years in Saudi Arabia with Strategic Growth and Local Talent Development, Get the Details Here

Published on November 27, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating 50 years of business in Saudi Arabia. IHG first started business in the Kingdom with the opening of the InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh in 1975. IHG is now one of the top companies in the Saudi Arabia hospitality industry with 100+ hotels either operational or in the development pipeline. IHG’s success is the result of IHG’s strong business relationships in the region and IHG’s strong commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and transform the country into a top tourist hotspot.

A Journey of Expansion and Innovation in Saudi Arabia

Over the past five decades, IHG has transformed from a single hotel in Riyadh into a key player in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality industry. The company now operates a vast portfolio of hotels across Luxury, Premium, and Lifestyle segments. IHG’s strategic expansion is aimed at meeting the diverse needs of modern travelers, with hotels that cater to various market segments, from high-end luxury to lifestyle-focused offerings.

As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a premier tourist destination, IHG is capitalizing on this growth by renovating existing properties, introducing new ones, and growing its portfolio of brands. Some of the most exciting additions to IHG’s portfolio in Saudi Arabia include the InterContinental Red Sea Resort, which exemplifies the luxury and grandeur the Kingdom is becoming known for, and the expansion of established brands such as Six Senses, Regent, Kimpton, voco, and EVEN Hotels. These developments represent IHG’s commitment to offering world-class accommodation and experiences for visitors, whether they are traveling for business or leisure.

IHG’s Commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

At the heart of IHG’s strategy in Saudi Arabia is its alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for tourism and business. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets to attract millions of visitors from around the world, and the Kingdom’s tourism sector is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification. IHG’s expansion efforts are directly aligned with these goals, as the company seeks to support the Kingdom’s transformation into a leading tourism destination.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa & Southwest Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the company’s role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem, stating, “Fifty years ago, our journey in Saudi Arabia began with a single hotel. Today, we are proud to be a long-term partner in a country that is redefining the global tourism map. Our growth is intentional and future-focused, with a portfolio that spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, and Essentials to serve the needs of modern travelers.”

This growth is not only seen in IHG’s expanding hotel portfolio but also in the experiences that IHG is helping to create. IHG is focused on integrating the local culture into its offerings, ensuring that the experiences provided to guests feel contemporary while deeply rooted in Saudi heritage. This approach is in perfect alignment with Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of blending modernity with tradition in all aspects of development.

IHG’s Strategic Hub in Riyadh: A Focus on Growth and Local Partnerships

In 2023, IHG opened its Riyadh office, a significant move that underscores its long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia. The office serves as a strategic hub to drive growth, foster stronger relationships with local owners, and engage with both government and private-sector stakeholders. This hub enables IHG to better support the Kingdom’s tourism goals by staying closely connected to the development of key projects and by providing a local presence that strengthens its partnerships.

IHG’s growth in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s transformation into a global tourism powerhouse. As IHG expands its presence, it continues to foster meaningful partnerships with local developers, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure that the hospitality sector evolves in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Empowering Saudi Nationals and Contributing to the Local Workforce

Another key aspect of IHG’s growth strategy in Saudi Arabia is its focus on local talent. IHG has made significant strides in supporting the Kingdom’s workforce by creating opportunities for Saudi nationals. Nearly half of IHG’s workforce in Saudi Arabia is composed of Saudi nationals, and the company is committed to empowering local talent through initiatives like Masarona by IHG, a program designed to help Saudi employees progress into leadership roles within the hospitality industry.

Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director of Saudi Arabia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the company’s commitment to local talent development, stating, “At the heart of this journey is Saudi talent: nearly half of our workforce are Saudi nationals, and programmes such as ‘Masarona by IHG’ are helping them move faster into leadership. When our people succeed, our guests, owners, and communities benefit – and that is how we will continue to support the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

This focus on local talent not only benefits IHG’s operations but also plays a significant role in the broader economic goals of Saudi Arabia. By nurturing and developing local talent, IHG is helping to build a more sustainable hospitality sector in the Kingdom, ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth extend beyond the immediate economic impact.

IHG’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Future

Looking ahead, IHG’s presence in Saudi Arabia is set to continue growing, supporting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and become a major tourism hub. The company’s expansion efforts align with the rising demand for high-quality hospitality options across all market segments, from luxury travelers to those seeking lifestyle-focused accommodations.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is expected to play a major role in the country’s economic future, with international tourism becoming a key pillar of the economy. As the country opens up to global tourists and implements initiatives like the Red Sea Project and the Neom Smart City, IHG is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for top-tier accommodations. This demand is only expected to rise as the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure continues to improve, attracting visitors from around the world to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities.

A Bright Future for Saudi Tourism

While IHG marks 50 years of operation in Saudi Arabia, it is celebrating company achievement, but at the same time, it is planning for future changes and improvements, and it is always looking to improve and grow. With a growing collection of hotels, IHG is likely to form an alliance with one of Saudi Arabia’s shifting and growing tourism destination service providers. IHG enjoys strong partnerships and employs Saudi hotel and tourism workers, giving IHG a likely competitive advantage.

Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia IHG tourism sector is growing. The travel and hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia is a market that will continue to expand for years to come, and IHG will lead the way with innovative solutions. IHG will create contemporary tourism services for the Saudi Arabia, Intertwined with the tourism culture fabric.