Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah

Work on The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah is now underway. The Marriott International property is expected to open in 2026. Marriott International and the Diriyah Company have held a ground-breaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah.

The event was attended by Sandeep Walia, COO Middle East, Marriott International and Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive officer, Diriyah Company along with senior members from both organisations.

Expected to open in 2026, plans for the hotel include 195 rooms including 34 suites along with a speciality restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and fitness centre. There will also be a kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering and a 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, COO– Middle East, Marriott International.

During the official visit, representatives visited the site of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, which is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024.

Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi culture through its design and hospitality. It will have 135 rooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness centre, pool, and spa.

Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel.

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company added “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.”

Diriyah, a US$62.2 billion development project, is set to redefine the cultural and historical landscape of Saudi Arabia. Located just 15 minutes northwest of Riyadh, Diriyah is home to the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beautifully preserved mud-brick city that was the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the original home of the House of Al Saud. This project, combining traditional Najdi architectural styles with modern urban design, offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and contemporary living.

In January 2023, it was announced that Diriyah Gate had been added to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is now known as the Diriyah Project. Now under PIF, the giga-project will remain under the supervision of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) led by industry titan Jerry Inzerillo as its group CEO.

The Diriyah giga-project is expected to enable many strategic domestic sectors, create partnerships with the local private sector, and unlock many new investment opportunities throughout its development and production phases. It aims to emotionally connect visitors with its rich heritage, showcasing the origins of modern Saudi Arabia and the spiritual values it embodies. As a sustainable landmark, the development is focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, culture and heritage preservation, and resilience against climate change. The new city is designed to be 100 percent walkable, promoting health and sustainability.