IHG Hotels & Resorts marks its 50th anniversary in Saudi Arabia with new investments, portfolio growth and upgraded luxury offerings as the Group expands its long-term role in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
The company confirms it has surpassed more than 100 hotels open and in the pipeline nationwide, reflecting sustained demand and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
The announcement was made during a commemorative event at InterContinental Riyadh, the Group’s first Saudi property, opened in 1975. IHG outlined upcoming developments across Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites, as well as renovation plans for InterContinental Riyadh and the continued rollout of brands such as Six Senses, Regent, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, voco and EVEN Hotels.
Expanding footprint to meet Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions
IHG said its growth strategy is designed to support Saudi Arabia as it advances toward its target of 150 million visitors by 2030. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – Middle East, Africa & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “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 travellers. Above all, we are committed to creating experiences that feel seamless, contemporary and rooted in Saudi culture. Guided by Vision 2030, we see our role as a catalyst for this new era of tourism, working closely with our owners, our teams and the Kingdom’s leadership to bring inspired hospitality to life.”
The Group’s plans include investing in flagship assets such as the upcoming InterContinental Red Sea Resort, while continuing to expand its luxury offerings across established and emerging destinations. Alongside new development, IHG is enhancing operational performance through its Riyadh-based office, opened in 2023 as the first dedicated headquarters in the Kingdom by a global hotel group.
Strengthening talent and long-term partnerships
IHG emphasised that nearly half of its Saudi workforce are nationals, supported by talent development initiatives including “Masarona by IHG.”
Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “It is a privilege to celebrate 50 years in the very place where our story in the Kingdom began. From that first InterContinental flag in Riyadh, we have grown with Saudi Arabia and today we are proud to have surpassed 100 hotels open and in the pipeline. Our focus now is on building what’s next – elevating our existing hotels, bringing world-class brands across segments, and ensuring our growth translates into lasting value for the Kingdom. 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.”
As IHG enters its next five decades in Saudi Arabia, the company plans to further scale its presence across strategic tourism hubs, deepen cooperation with government and private-sector partners, and continue evolving guest experiences through its global brand platforms and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.
