Safa Hassan

Saudi Arabia

Editor at Hotelier Middle East

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Articles

IHG expands Saudi presence with three new developments

2 days ago | hoteliermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

This property will comprise 700 rooms and will be located within a mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial, and hospitality components. The site is situated close to Jeddah’s Al Balad District, the Jeddah Central Development, and the Royal Court. Hotel Indigo Jeddah Gate is expected to cater to the increasing demand for lifestyle-oriented accommodation in southern Jeddah, targeting both local and international travellers.
Baheej announces heritage-inspired boutique resort in Yanbu

3 days ago | hoteliermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

Architecture firm Spectrum has been appointed to lead the design. The resort will feature private cabanas with views of the sea, a dedicated wellness programme, and a spa designed to reflect the region’s maritime heritage. The design concept draws inspiration from Yanbu’s historical association with seafaring and pearl diving, aiming to integrate cultural references into the spatial planning and guest experience.
Accor strengthens midscale footprint with new hotel in the Aseer region

3 days ago | hoteliermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

Situated 15km from Abha International Airport, the 93-room hotel targets both business and leisure travellers. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, coffee shop, meeting room, modern gym and indoor swimming pool. Additional guest services include 24-hour in-room dining and laundry facilities. The opening forms part of Accor’s strategy to increase the presence of its premium, midscale, and economy brands in Saudi Arabia’s secondary cities.
Eight resorts, one coastline: AMAALA’s first chapter is ready

1 week ago | commercialinteriordesign.com | Safa Hassan

The eight resorts comprising of AMAALA’s Phase One, expected to welcome guests from Q4 2025, were developed in collaboration with globally recognised architectural and interior design firms. These include Foster + Partners, U+A, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (ACPV), Studio Carter, and John Heah. Each was tasked with embedding sustainability principles and regional cultural references into their design strategies, ensuring a site-responsive and purpose-built luxury environment.
Downtown Design Riyadh to showcase global and regional talent

1 week ago | commercialinteriordesign.com | Safa Hassan

Positioned as a new anchor event for Saudi Arabia’s expanding design sector, Downtown Design Riyadh will feature an international roster of design brands including Huda Lighting, Cosentino, St. Louis, Jotun, Jaipur Rugs, Gallery COLLECTIONAL, Venini, Visionnaire, and Apparatus Studio. Regional design studios and Saudi creative talent will also be represented, reflecting the Kingdom’s increasing visibility on the global design stage.
Najdi architecture inspires The Langham, Diriyah ahead of launch

2 weeks ago | commercialinteriordesign.com | Safa Hassan

Construction will incorporate traditional materials such as mud-brick and local stone. The design will also integrate intricate geometric patterns and ornate plasterwork to reflect the cultural and historical significance of Diriyah.
Desert Rock: Oppenheim’s design that knows when to disappear

2 weeks ago | commercialinteriordesign.com | Safa Hassan

From working with the land rather than against it to embedding silence, shadow, and stone into the very core of the experience, Archambault shares how Desert Rock became a quiet but radical statement on the future of architecture. Desert Rock’s land isn’t just a backdrop — it’s the blueprint. For Archambault, the starting point was a civilisation that once carved its way into stone. “We looked to the Nabateans for how they engaged with their landscape, rather than imposed upon it,” he says.
Saudi Arabia to localise 41 hospitality and tourism positions

3 weeks ago | hoteliermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

The first phase will begin in April 2026 with the full Saudisation of four roles, 70 percent localisation for 12 others, and 50 percent for an additional 12. A second phase is set for 3 January 2027, during which one additional profession will be localised at a 30 percent rate. The final phase, effective 2 January 2028, will enforce a 50 percent localisation quota for leadership roles in the sector.
InterContinental Riyadh appoints new general manager

3 weeks ago | hoteliermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

His most recent role was general manager at InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping in Thailand, where he oversaw the pre-opening and launch phases. The hotel opened in November 2023 and achieved a positive gross operating profit within two months of operation. During his tenure, Pottinga worked to align the hotel’s positioning with Chiang Mai’s status as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, established in 2017 for its crafts and folk-art heritage.
Eugen Brikcius' approach to smarter workplace dining in Saudi

2 months ago | caterermiddleeast.com | Safa Hassan

Brikcius served as global managing director of Foodics, where he led global strategy and operations, and co-founded Jeeny, a ride-hailing company in the Middle East, raising over EUR13 million and building a workforce of over 300. He also co-led Wadi.com’s transition to a grocery-focused platform, resulting in its acquisition by MAF.