Saudi Arabia's Luxury Hotels: Jeddah Welcomes Global Brands
Saudi Arabia, a nation historically characterized by its guarded approach to international engagement, has embarked on a significant and ambitious transformation. In recent years, the Kingdom has actively repositioned itself as a burgeoning hub for global wealth and tourism, directly challenging the established dominance of regional powerhouses like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This strategic pivot forms a cornerstone of its wider economic diversification agenda, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering a vibrant non-oil economy.
- Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its international tourism sector, aiming to diversify its economy beyond oil.
- The Kingdom welcomed 30 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 6% year-over-year increase.
- Delta Air Lines is launching a new Atlanta-Riyadh flight in October 2026, signaling growing demand.
- Kerzner International is developing two ultra-luxury hotel brands, Atlantis and One&Only, in Jeddah.
- These developments are integral to Saudi's Vision 2030, positioning Jeddah as a premier luxury resort destination.
- The Atlantis Jeddah will feature over 800 rooms, 20 restaurants, a waterpark, and a marine park.
- One&Only Jeddah will offer an exclusive coastal retreat with branded residential apartments.
The tangible results of this strategic shift are already evident. The year 2024 witnessed an impressive influx of 30 million international visitors to Saudi Arabia, representing a robust 6% increase from the preceding year. Such figures underscore the growing global interest in the Kingdom's evolving landscape, driven by its rich cultural heritage, ambitious mega-projects, and increasingly accessible tourism infrastructure. International carriers are responding keenly to this burgeoning demand. Delta Air Lines, for instance, recently announced a significant expansion, introducing a new flight route from Atlanta to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH), slated to commence operations in October 2026. This service, leveraging a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 with premium Delta One seating, reflects a calculated bet on Saudi Arabia's sustained growth in the travel sector, as articulated by Delta CEO Ed Bastian's vision for global opportunities.
The Kingdom's Ambitious Tourism Drive
Vision 2030 and Economic Transformation
At the heart of Saudi Arabia's economic reorientation lies Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategic framework designed to reduce the nation's reliance on oil revenues and foster growth across diverse sectors, including tourism, technology, and entertainment. This ambitious plan envisions a dynamic and diversified economy that offers unparalleled opportunities for both domestic and international stakeholders. The substantial investments in tourism infrastructure, cultural sites, and entertainment venues are direct manifestations of this vision, aiming to attract a broad spectrum of travelers, from pilgrims to luxury seekers. The development of new cities like NEOM and the extensive enhancements to existing urban centers exemplify the scale of this transformational agenda.
The Rise of International Visitors
The consistent increase in international visitor numbers is a critical indicator of Vision 2030's efficacy in the tourism domain. By streamlining visa processes, promoting its unique heritage, and investing heavily in hospitality, Saudi Arabia is progressively shedding its previous image to emerge as a compelling travel destination. This growth is not merely quantitative; it reflects a qualitative shift in how the international community perceives and engages with the Kingdom, recognizing its potential as a significant player in the global tourism landscape. The strategic efforts to cultivate a welcoming environment for diverse international guests are clearly bearing fruit, setting the stage for even greater visitor numbers in the coming years.
Jeddah: A New Nexus for Ultra-Luxury Hospitality
Kerzner International's Strategic Expansion
Amidst this flourishing tourism environment, the global luxury hospitality sector is taking keen notice. Kerzner International, renowned for its iconic Atlantis and One&Only brands, has unveiled plans for two new ultra-luxury properties in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's second-largest city. This strategic move by a prominent luxury developer underscores the immense potential identified within the Saudi market. Kerzner's decision to establish a significant presence in Jeddah aligns perfectly with the Kingdom's aspiration to carve out a distinctive niche in the ultra-luxury travel segment, offering sophisticated experiences to discerning travelers.
Unveiling Atlantis Jeddah: A New Icon
The forthcoming Atlantis Jeddah is poised to become a landmark destination. Expanding upon the successes of its sister properties like Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, this new resort is designed to offer an unparalleled scale of luxury. Plans include over 800 meticulously appointed rooms and suites, complemented by an extensive array of 20 distinct restaurants and lounges. Beyond gastronomy, the resort promises world-class recreational facilities, including an expansive waterpark, a serene spa, and an immersive marine park. Furthermore, the inclusion of separate branded luxury residences will cater to those seeking an exclusive long-term association with the Atlantis lifestyle, embedding it deeply within Jeddah's evolving urban fabric.
One&Only Jeddah: Exclusive Coastal Retreats
Concurrently, Kerzner International will introduce the One&Only brand to Jeddah. Known for its collection of intimate, boutique resorts in breathtaking locations such as The Maldives, Mexico, Rwanda, and Montenegro, One&Only Jeddah is envisioned as a "private enclave on the city's coast." This property will epitomize refined luxury, focusing on bespoke experiences and unparalleled service. The design philosophy will draw inspiration from Jeddah's historic corniche and vibrant beachfront, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance and exclusive serenity. Like Atlantis, the One&Only property will also feature branded residential apartments, offering discerning owners a rare opportunity to own a piece of this luxurious coastal haven.
Broader Implications for Global Travel and Investment
The arrival of these prestigious hotel brands signals a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions and holds broader implications for the global luxury travel and investment landscape. Kerzner International's Chief Executive Officer, Philippe Zuber, highlighted this synergy, stating, "The presence of Atlantis and One&Only in Jeddah aligns with our mutual commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s tourism landscape." This sentiment is echoed by Kerzner President Juan Aguilar, who envisages this development as a "model for large-scale integrated tourism destinations" that aligns with Saudi Arabia's forward-thinking vision. These projects represent not just new hotels but strategic investments in a future where Saudi Arabia is a leading destination for luxury tourism, attracting substantial foreign direct investment and fostering job creation across various sectors.
The Kingdom's aggressive pursuit of tourism diversification positions it as a formidable competitor in the Middle East's luxury travel market. By leveraging its unique cultural assets, investing in world-class infrastructure, and partnering with globally recognized hospitality brands, Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel. While an official timeline for the completion of these specific projects is yet to be announced, their development is undeniably a critical component of Saudi Arabia's strategic trajectory towards a vibrant, diversified, and globally integrated economy.
