IHG marks 50 years in Saudi Arabia

International

A milestone anniversary highlights renewed growth, expanded brands and deeper alignment with Vision 2030

IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating half a century in Saudi Arabia—five decades after InterContinental Riyadh opened its doors in 1975 and introduced international hospitality to the Kingdom. The anniversary, marked during a gathering at the same landmark hotel, underscores the Group’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia and its role in supporting the transformation of the national tourism sector.

A legacy that has grown with the Kingdom

From a single flagship property, IHG has expanded alongside the country’s modernisation. In 2025, the Group surpassed the milestone of more than 100 hotels open and in the pipeline. This growth reflects the strength of IHG’s partnerships in the Kingdom, increasing investor confidence, and a clear alignment with the strategic goals of Vision 2030.

IHG continues to invest across all segments—Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites. InterContinental Riyadh, the brand’s historic gateway in the Kingdom, is preparing for a major renovation, while new developments such as InterContinental Red Sea Resort signal fresh additions to IHG’s luxury portfolio. The expansion of brands including Six Senses, Regent, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, voco and EVEN Hotels further broadens the Group’s presence.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, described the anniversary as a moment to recognise both continuity and transformation. He emphasised that the Group’s growth is “intentional and future-focused,” rooted in Saudi culture and designed to support the country’s emergence as a global tourism leader.

Strengthening local presence and investing in talent

IHG established a dedicated Riyadh office in 2023—the first of its kind in the Kingdom by a global hotel group. The office serves as a strategic hub for partnering with owners, improving operational performance and working closely with public and private-sector stakeholders as Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem expands.

Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director for Saudi Arabia, highlighted the significance of celebrating 50 years in the city where IHG’s presence began. He noted that nearly half of the Group’s workforce in the Kingdom are Saudi nationals and pointed to initiatives such as “Masarona by IHG,” which supports their accelerated development into leadership roles. Ensuring that local talent succeeds, he said, creates long-term value for guests, owners and communities.

Looking ahead: growth aligned with Vision 2030

IHG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia as it advances toward its goal of 150 million visitors by 2030. The Group’s growing pipeline is designed to offer modern, culturally rooted hospitality experiences backed by global brand platforms and the IHG One Rewards programme.

As IHG enters its next 50 years in the Kingdom, the Group remains focused on elevating guest experiences, expanding across both established hubs and emerging destinations, and working with partners to help shape a sustainable and globally competitive tourism landscape.