HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of its milestone 250th hotel in Saudia Arabia. The Taj-branded hotel is in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), who are responsible for the transformation of the historic city of Diriyah, The City of Earth, into a world-class mixed-use development. The hotel will be part of the Diriyah project, located in close proximity from downtown Riyadh, which envisions the location’s development as an international cultural and lifestyle destination inspired by the birth place of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the signing, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “Announcing our 250th hotel today is a moment of great pride as it marks IHCL’s consistent and rapid portfolio expansion, with 100+ hotels signed over the past five years alone. The signing of this hotel is line with IHCL’s strategy of being present in key markets across the globe, which includes the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is a popular travel route, especially among the Indian diaspora, and we believe that our presence in historic Diriyah will tap into the immense tourism potential of the destination. We are delighted to partner with Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and be part of the vision to develop Diriyah into a leading international cultural destination.”
Featuring a combination of 205 rooms and suites, the Taj hotel will overlook the picturesque valley and palm groves of Wadi Hanifah, whilst being in close proximity to other key entertainment and cultural attractions. The luxury hotel will include an all-day dining restaurant, in addition to two speciality restaurants. Banqueting and conferencing facilities will make this hotel the perfect destination for business travellers, while a swimming pool, gym, wellness centre and spa will cater to both, leisure and bleisure travellers.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome the iconic Taj hotels to Diriyah, The City of Earth, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with IHCL. Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination and is helping to realize the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by attracting visitors to Saudi this year with the opening of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Kingdom’s most important cultural landmark, and Bujairi Terrace, the Kingdom’s newest and most anticipated culinary destination. Taj is known for its warmth and authentic experiences rooted in luxury, and we look forward to collaborating with IHCL to offer world class hospitality to travelers, while bringing alive Diriyah’s rich heritage and culture.”
The 300-year-old site of Diriyah is located within Riyadh province, in close proximity to the north-west of downtown Riyadh. It is recognised as the symbolic centre of inspiration for the generations of leaders that have led the Kingdom since the foundation of the First Saudi State in 1727.
With the addition of this hotel, IHCL has five hotels in the Middle East including two under development.
