Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is off to a robust start in 2026, highlighted by high-profile hotel openings and announcements that coincide with record-breaking tourism performance achieved in the prior year. In 2025, tourism expenditures in Saudi Arabia reached SAR 300 billion (approximately USD 80 billion), a rise from SAR 282 billion the year before, as reported by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Kingdom welcomed 122 million domestic and international tourists, up from 116 million in 2024, including 30 million inbound travelers, positioning Saudi Arabia as one of the top 10 tourism destinations globally.

This increase in tourism, attributed to flagship projects such as Red Sea resorts, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, is mirrored by a surge in hospitality infrastructure, with both global and regional brands escalating their presence in the country.

Sofitel Enters Riyadh

The year began with the opening of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, marking the French luxury brand’s debut in the Saudi capital. Featuring 388 rooms, the hotel caters to business and leisure travelers alike, and includes the Princess Nouf International Convention Centre, the largest luxury convention facility in the city, accommodating up to 4,000 guests. Fadeel Wehbe, the managing director, stated, “Riyadh is a vibrant metropolis at the forefront of cultural and economic transformation. Combining Sofitel’s unique French twist with Riyadh’s rich heritage, we aim to provide a luxurious and inspiring space for our guests.”

Fairmont Heads to the Red Sea

In furthering Accor’s regional presence, Fairmont The Red Sea is scheduled to open in mid-2026, adjacent to an 18-hole golf course and located within a protected archipelago boasting over 90 islands. With 193 rooms and six dining venues, including an overwater restaurant, the resort aims to embody Fairmont’s upscale eco-luxury identity while serving as a gateway to the region’s marine biodiversity and archaeological treasures.

ENVI Brings Wellness to Taif

For the first time, ENVI Al Shafa will launch in December 2026 near Taif, providing wellness-oriented accommodation at over 2,000 meters above sea level. This eco-lodge will include private villas featuring stunning vistas, a culinary studio, a chef’s garden, and a meditation space designed for families and wellness enthusiasts. Chris Nader, co-founder of ENVI Lodges, emphasized, “ENVI Al Shafa is a sanctuary in the clouds. It offers a multi-generational wellness experience aligned with our vision of creating immersive escapes fit for Vision 2030.”

Dusit to Open First Saudi Property

Lastly, Thailand’s Dusit International is set to unveil its first Saudi hotel, Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, in Riyadh this year, as part of a larger regional expansion plan. This follows the brand’s strong performance in 2025, showcasing 24 hotel signings and more than 1,400 rooms planned across the Middle East and Asia. The group has also confirmed a project in the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, reinforcing its commitment to culturally and environmentally significant locales.

Minister Al-Khateeb reiterated that Saudi Arabia led the G20 nations in tourism growth over the past five years. With ongoing investments in aviation, infrastructure, and international connectivity, the Kingdom continues to attract both developers and travelers alike. With flagship events and expanding air routes, 2026 is anticipated to further accelerate the hospitality pipeline, demonstrating that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations are indeed coming to fruition, one luxury suite at a time.