IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years in Saudi Arabia and opens a new chapter of inspired hospitality (+ New Luxury GM- & C-Suite job opportunities in KSA)
- EDITOR
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked 50 years of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrating a journey that began with the opening of InterContinental Riyadh in 1975 and has grown into one of the most significant footprints for the Group globally. The milestone, commemorated at a special gathering hosted at InterContinental Riyadh, underscores IHG’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and its ambitions to help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.
From a single landmark property, IHG has grown alongside the Kingdom’s transformation. In 2025, the Group surpassed more than 100 hotels open and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia - a reflection of the strength of its partnerships, confidence in the local market, and alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.
IHG continues to invest in elevating its presence in the Kingdom by strengthening its existing portfolio and introducing new offerings across segments including Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites. This includes investing in legendary properties such as InterContinental Riyadh, which is set to undergo a significant renovation, and introducing new icons of modern luxury such as InterContinental Red Sea Resort. Complementing the InterContinental brand, IHG has expanded its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Saudi Arabia with brands such as Six Senses, Regent, Kimpton and Vignette Collection, while also growing its premium and lifestyle presence with brands including voco and EVEN Hotels.
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.”
With a dedicated Riyadh office established in 2023 - the first of its kind in the Kingdom by a global hotel group - IHG has created a strategic hub to support its long-term growth and deepen its local engagement. The office serves as a centre of excellence for partnering with owners, enhancing operational performance, and supporting government and private-sector stakeholders as the tourism ecosystem continues to expand.
Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director - Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “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.”
IHG reaffirmed its commitment to being a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision - supporting job creation, skills development, and diversified economic growth as the Kingdom advances towards its target of 150 million visitors by 2030. , IHG’s exciting and upcoming portfolio in the Kingdom is designed to deliver distinct, modern, culturally connected experiences powered by the Group’s global scale, strong brand platforms and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.
As it looks to the next 50 years in Saudi Arabia, IHG remains focused on elevating guest experience, expanding its presence across established and emerging destinations, and partnering closely with stakeholders to help shape a vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive tourism sector...... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
The HR Team at LHN has created a special attractive report today for our members featuring the most appealing GM and C-Suite job opportunities in the Middle East. All members can request the list by emailing: admin@leading-hoteliers.com
For ambitious hospitality leaders, the Middle East remains the ultimate proving ground. Success now demands a blend of visionary leadership, operational grit, deep cultural respect, and a firm commitment to shaping the sustainable future of luxury. The leaders appointed today will not just run hotels; they will define the legacy of the region's transformative era.
For experienced General Managers eyeing Saudi Arabia's ultra-luxury market, the coming months promise exceptional opportunities. Our exclusive premium report reveals anticipated leadership changes across ME's most prestigious properties, analyzing patterns from new openings, corporate rotations, and strategic repositioning. Our members can see all current General Manager job openings in Saudi Arabia's renowned ultra-luxury hotels here / For our VIP Premium Members our HR Team has prepared a report - Behind the scenes, multiple interesting- & important factors are aligning to create the most significant GM recruitment window in many years.
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