News

Aman to open three resorts in Saudi Arabia's Al Ula region

6 Aug 2019 by Jenni Reid
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

Aman has signed a deal to open three properties in Saudi Arabia in 2023, marking its debut both in the kingdom and in the Middle East.

The luxury hotel group this week announced plans for a tented camp and two resorts, all in the northwestern Al Ula region.

Al Ula covers 22,561 sqkm and features an oasis valley, sandstone mountains and the ancient city of Hegra (pictured below), a Unesco World Heritage site with more than 100 well-preserved tombs and a settlement dating to the 2nd century BCE.

Hegra, Saudi Arabia

Singapore-based Aman signed the deal with Saudi officials including the minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al- Saud.

The kingdom is currently pursuing a programme called ‘Vision 2030’ which is seeking to reduce its economy’s reliance on oil and boost tourism, among other goals.

As part of that it has set up an Al-Ula Royal Commission to establish the area as a new destination. The commission’s CEO recently told Euronews that he wants “significant tourism and hospitality and culture infrastructure” by 2023, when the Aman properties are set to open.

French architect Jean Nouvel is designing a 925 sqkm nature reserve in the area which will “highlight the rocky landscape” and “reestablish the diversity of the region’s once-rich desert plant life,” according to Middle East Architect.

Aman currently has 37 hotels across 22 locations. Upcoming launches include Aman Kyoto and Aman New York.

Aman CEO Vladislav Doronin said the new Saudi Arabian openings would take it to 10 properties situated near or in Unesco World Heritage sites.

aman.com

Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls