Image: Supplied
Hilton announced it has surpassed 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, representing a combined investment of $8bn from hotel owners and investors, as the US hospitality group accelerates its expansion in the kingdom.
The announcement came ahead of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, a global forum that brings together world leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss international investment and economic trends.
Hilton said it plans to add more than 22,000 rooms across 14 brands as part of its growth strategy in the kingdom, creating more than 15,000 jobs, at least half of which will be filled by Saudi nationals.
“Saudi Arabia is witnessing incredible momentum, with travel at the heart of this transformation,” said Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa. “The kingdom welcomed a record 32 million tourists this summer, and we’re proud to be supporting this vision as the country works toward its goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.”
Khneisser added that nearly two-thirds of Hilton’s Saudi pipeline is already under construction, underscoring the company’s commitment to expand into new regional cities and bring more brands to the local market.
Hilton: Luxury properties’ expansion
Hilton said it is strengthening its luxury portfolio in Saudi Arabia through new developments, including the Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley, due to open in 2026. Other projects include a Waldorf Astoria and Conrad at The Avenues–Riyadh, a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah Gate, and Madinah’s first Waldorf Astoria.
The company is also working with Rua Al Madinah Holding to open three hotels in the holy city of Madinah, including a Conrad property, and with Dan Co, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), to develop an LXR agritourism resort in Al Ahsa.
Tempo brand to debut in 2029
Hilton’s lifestyle brand Tempo by Hilton will make its regional debut with the Tempo by Hilton Riyadh Al Narjis, expected to open in 2029 through a partnership with Al Theeb Hospitality. The 135-room hotel will be located along King Salman Road and will feature a café, restaurant, fitness room, and meeting spaces.
Hilton said the Tempo brand targets modern, wellness-focused travellers looking to maintain their routines on the go.
New signings across the kingdom
Hilton continues to expand into new Saudi cities with several upcoming projects. The Hijla Hotel Abha, Curio Collection by Hilton, is set to open in 2027, while DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Al Narjis and DoubleTree by Hilton Buraidah are expected in 2029 and 2028 respectively.
In Dammam, Hilton signed an agreement with Medokhil Group to develop Spark by Hilton Dammam, part of the company’s premium economy segment.
The company’s first Spark by Hilton in the Middle East, Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah, is scheduled to open next year, alongside the Kingdom’s first Tapestry Collection property, Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Madinah.
Hilton also announced new Curio Collection branded residences in Riyadh as part of the OSUS Eye development, and two Curio Collection resorts in Al Ahsa with Dan Co.
Hilton currently operates 21 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with 83 more under development, as it continues to align its growth with Saudi Vision 2030’s tourism and economic diversification goals.
