IHG to Launch All Luxury & Lifestyle Brands in Saudi Arabia by 2028 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to introduce all six of its Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia by 2028, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as one of the company's most important global growth markets. With properties either already operating or under development across every brand, the expansion supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy and the country's ambition to welcome 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

The announcement marks another milestone in IHG's 50-year presence in Saudi Arabia. Since opening the InterContinental Riyadh in 1975, the company has built one of its largest development pipelines worldwide, reflecting sustained investment in the Kingdom's rapidly evolving hospitality sector.

Luxury segment drives future growth

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its tourism offering, IHG is expanding across its Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials and Suites portfolios to meet demand from leisure, business, religious and domestic travelers.

Within this strategy, the Luxury & Lifestyle segment has become a key growth driver. By 2028, the company expects all six brands in the collection to be represented in the Kingdom, responding to increasing demand for distinctive, design-led and culturally authentic hospitality experiences.

"Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most exciting hospitality markets and one of the most strategically important for IHG," said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "We are not simply growing our footprint; we are helping shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom. As traveller expectations evolve, there is increasing demand for distinctive luxury experiences with authentic local character. Our ambition is to bring every one of IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle brands to Saudi Arabia, working alongside visionary owners and partners to create destinations that will define the next generation of travel."

New openings accelerate expansion

IHG recently introduced the Kimpton brand to the Middle East with the opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, marking the lifestyle brand's regional debut.

The company is also continuing to expand its luxury portfolio with several high-profile projects. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, opened in late 2023, while Six Senses Amaala is scheduled to open in 2026 and Six Senses AlUla in 2027.

Regent Jeddah Corniche is expected to welcome its first guests in 2027, introducing the Regent brand to both Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar is scheduled to open in 2028, bringing the lifestyle brand to the Kingdom for the first time.

Long-term commitment to the Saudi market

"Our growth in Saudi Arabia is intentional, ambitious and closely aligned with the Kingdom's future," said Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director, Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "Luxury & Lifestyle is becoming a defining part of that journey, as guests increasingly seek design-led, culturally connected and memorable experiences. With 48 open hotels and 62 in the pipeline, we are proud to build on our 50-year legacy while creating lasting value for owners, guests, colleagues and communities."

IHG strengthened its local presence by opening a dedicated office in Riyadh in 2023, supporting hotel owners, operational performance and collaboration with both public and private sector partners.

With every Luxury & Lifestyle brand expected to be represented in Saudi Arabia by 2028, IHG is positioning itself to play a significant role in the Kingdom's transformation into one of the world's leading tourism destinations.

Image Credit: © IHG