Radisson Hotel Group currently operates 35 hotels across Saudi Arabia and has 15 additional properties under construction in the kingdom. The company aims to have 100 hotels either operating or in development in Saudi Arabia by 2030, maintaining its growth trajectory amid regional challenges.
The Gulf region experienced tourism disruptions in 2026 related to the U.S.-Iran war, causing a slight slowdown in Radisson’s signing volumes and business expansion. Despite these geopolitical tensions, Radisson’s regional development targets remain unchanged, according to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group.
Saudi Arabia’s hotel market has demonstrated
greater resilience compared to other Gulf nations like the UAE. This is attributed to stronger domestic demand in Saudi Arabia, which has insulated its hotel trading markets from the brunt of regional instability.
Younes emphasized ongoing confidence in the Saudi market, citing the national Vision 2030 plan and steady domestic demand as key factors. He stated, “Our targets for the region have not changed, although there may be a slight slowdown in signing volumes and business expansion this year because of the war. But if you’re in it for the long run, there’s no change. We still believe in Saudi
Arabia, Vision 2030, Dubai, and the region.”
Radisson’s continued focus on Saudi Arabia highlights the uneven pace of recovery across Gulf hospitality sectors, with the kingdom’s market showing stronger momentum relative to neighboring markets such as the UAE.
