Tourism sector in Saudi Arabia: 48 five star hotels opening in Riyadh in two years

Cherif Ali, General Manager of Tiara Hotel talks about the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.

Tell us about the tourism sector in Riyadh and in Saudi Arabia in general. How is business tourism developing?

For the last two years more than 84 billion Saudi riyals has been invested in the tourism sector and within the coming couple of years we shall have more than 48 five star hotels opening in Riyadh. The return on investment in the sector averages 22%.

Do you see a lot of business in Riyadh? Is it becoming a business hub for the region?

Riyadh is the regional business hub with more than 6 million people. The King Abdallah Financial District, a 29 billion Saudi riyals ($7.8 billion) project, will open soon creating even more business opportunities. The business is booming.

What about MICE tourism?

Tiara Hotel is near the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. The hotel and the centre have recently signed a partnership agreement. The strategy is to become the official hotel for the centre.