September 9, 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (The Arabian Wall Street) — Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, a 212-room luxury lifestyle hotel, has officially opened in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East. This opening represents a significant milestone in Kimpton’s strategic expansion across the region, catering to the growing demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences.
Founded in 1981, Kimpton is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, and the Riyadh property blends contemporary elegance with the brand’s playful spirit. The hotel features thoughtfully curated spaces, offering guests easy access to the metro, in-room yoga mats, luxury bedding, and mini-bars stocked with locally inspired treats.
A distinctive culinary journey
The hotel offers a culinary experience in four acts:
- Botanica – A nature-inspired space where the city loosens its tie and embraces organic design.
- Ziya – A sophisticated dining experience that glows with elegance.
- Kanza – A sanctuary that invites guests to relax and unwind.
- Vinyl Ember – An immersive experience to savor at a leisurely pace.
Rabih Beaino, General Manager of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, stated: “We’re incredibly proud of this game-changing property. We want every visit to feel like an adventure—a place where guests can be themselves, discover new experiences, and leave with lasting memories.”
Riyadh’s growing appeal
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia continues its momentum towards Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a global tourism hub. According to Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer at KAFD DMC, the global luxury hotel market was valued at $103.93 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $156.80 billion by 2030, with luxury room numbers rising by 300,000.
“Kimpton’s presence in KAFD strengthens our position as Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination. We’re excited to offer global travelers an opportunity to experience Riyadh’s delights in a modern, pedestrian-friendly environment,” Alobaida added.
Meeting the demands of Vision 2030
The hotel’s opening is part of a broader strategy to cater to the increasing demand for high-end accommodation as Saudi Arabia targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030. With its location in KAFD, a premier business and lifestyle destination, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh offers world-class dining, retail, and entertainment just a short walk away.
The hotel’s design and lifestyle offerings are perfectly aligned with Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality sector, adding to the growing appeal of Riyadh as a global business and leisure hub.
