Marriott International has confirmed that The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah will welcome its first guests in 2026.
The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony for the property this week in Saudi Arabia.
The hotel will feature 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
A kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering, a spa and other guest amenities will also be offered within the hotel.
Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company said, “Diriyah is so much more than a giga project. Unlocking centuries of heritage and history, the city has been at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s founding story and national development for three hundred years. The partnership with Marriott international will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in that culture and sample the unforgettable lifestyle of The City Of Earth.”
Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have previously announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel too.
Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024.
Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi architectural style. That property will feature 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool, and spa.
“We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural and heritage cities,” said Sandeep Walia, chief operating officer for the Middle East at Marriott International.
Diriyah is a US$63.2 billion 14 sq km mixed-use development inspired by the Najdi architect of the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif. The destination will include a variety of cultural institutions and museums, galleries, restaurants, luxury retail spaces, hotels, recreational spaces, residences, educational institutions, and offices.
Diriyah was also be the venue for Saudi Arabia’s first opera house. The 45,000 sqm Royal Diriyah Opera House will be designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. Riyadh-based Syn Architects will provide local expertise and insights into the Najdi-architectural style which the structure’s designers will rely upon. Scheduled to open in 2028, it will accommodate approximately 3,500 people across four venues.
