Thailand’s Minor Hotels & DGDA unite to develop Anantara Hotel in Saudi Arabia

DGDA image
Representational image
By Shilpa Annie Joseph, Official Reporter
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Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand-based international hotel owner, operator, and investor, Minor Hotels in order to develop a hotel under the Anantara brand.

Diriyah is set to become the historic hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will showcase 300+ years of the country’s history through an engaging and inspiring set of cultural, heritage, hospitality, education, shopping, and dining experiences for residents, tourists, and frequent visitors.

According to the company statement, “Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming more than 11 square kilometers of Diriyah into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development, which will be home to 38 hotel brands, more than 100 restaurants and 400 plus luxury retail brands and souk offerings.”

Anantara will be bringing its experience-led indigenous luxury to DGDA with a new hotel. “Currently in the final stages of planning, further details of the upcoming new property will be announced soon,” the company said.

Jerry Inzerillo
Jerry Inzerillo
Group CEO – DGDA

“I am thrilled to be welcoming Anantara to Diriyah’s world-class collection of luxury hotels. We are going to be providing the very best in hospitality services with an unparalleled offering of hotels and fine dining spots, right in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s cultural birthplace. Being one of the world’s most beloved brands, Anantara’s unique style of hospitality is the perfect fit for the project and will be an excellent addition to what will be one of the greatest lifestyle destinations out there.”

Minor Hotels currently has ten Anantara properties in operation in the Middle East, in addition to a further four properties in the pipeline in the region.

Mr. William E Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, said that, “We are excited to announce our intention to be part of what will be one of the world’s most exciting and impressive collections of hotels at Diriyah Gate.”

“This project is second to none globally in terms of scale and luxury and will bring a completely unique experience to the people of Saudi Arabia, residents and tourists alike. I look forward to working with the team at DGDA to bring this new Anantara property to fruition as part of this spectacular project,” Mr. Heinecke added.

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