The Middle East’s hospitality sector reached a new milestone today as Kimpton officially opened its first property in the region. Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, located in the landmark King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), introduces the brand’s distinctive lifestyle-led philosophy to the Saudi capital.

The 16-storey hotel, offering 212 rooms, marks a defining moment in Kimpton’s global expansion. Known for its design-driven hotels that act as vibrant community hubs, the brand, founded in San Francisco in 1981 and now part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has been steadily expanding across key international markets. The Riyadh launch reflects growing regional demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences.

Kimpton KAFD Riyadh combines sleek contemporary design with the brand’s playful personality. Guests benefit from direct skywalk access to the metro, while enjoying signature in-room touches such as yoga mats, luxury bedding, and mini-bars curated with locally inspired treats. Every element of the hotel is crafted to enrich the guest experience, whether travelling for business or leisure. The property’s layout and amenities are designed to offer unexpected moments of warmth and personal connection, hallmarks of the Kimpton brand.

The hotel also unveils four distinctive dining venues, each with its own character. Botanica is a leafy, light-filled escape where fresh herbs and shared plates create a lively, social dining experience that evolves from breakfast through to evening gatherings. Ziya brings refined elegance with golden light, carefully plated dishes, and a menu of gourmet salads, pizzas, and sandwiches, creating an inviting atmosphere for both casual and celebratory occasions. Kanza, tucked by the pool under lantern light, provides an intimate retreat from the city, shifting from golden-hour relaxation to moonlit calm, with menus tailored for sharing. The Vinyl Ember delivers an immersive grill experience where open flames and music set the tone. The atmosphere shifts as the night progresses, complemented by crafted mocktails and a vinyl-led playlist.

Beyond dining, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh positions itself as a lifestyle destination. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool deck, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a variety of event and meeting spaces fitted with advanced technology. The flexible layouts cater equally to corporate functions and social celebrations. In-room amenities highlight Riyadh’s cultural influences, while maintaining the brand’s trademark comforts. From plush bedding and generous workspaces to locally inspired artistic touches, the experience is tailored to feel both personal and memorable.

Strategically set within the 1.6 million-square-metre King Abdullah Financial District, the hotel is surrounded by LEED-certified towers, retail destinations, luxury residences, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The development, designed as Saudi Arabia’s first vertical city, ensures all essential services are accessible within a 10-minute walk, with excellent metro connectivity linking guests to wider Riyadh. The opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s portfolio of luxury lifestyle brands. With the country aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, the launch strengthens Riyadh’s reputation as a global hub for both business and leisure tourism.

Kimpton guests will also benefit from IHG One Rewards, the group’s loyalty programme, which provides exclusive rates, tailored rewards, and access to a global network of more than 6,000 hotels.

“We’re incredibly proud of this game-changing property. We don’t see it as just opening another hotel, although it’s the first in KAFD. We’re excited to be drafting a new story in Riyadh’s future,” says Rabih Beaino, General Manager of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh. “We want every visit here to feel like you’re coming home to a new adventure. A comfortable and special place where our guests can feel free to be themselves, discover and share wonderful experiences they didn’t expect, and leave with memories they’ll want to relive again and again.”

Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer at KAFD DMC, added: “We are thrilled to welcome the first Kimpton in the Middle East to KAFD. The global luxury hotel market is demonstrating remarkable growth, valued at $103.93 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $156.80 billion by 2030, with luxury rooms expected to rise from 1.6 million to 1.9 million by 2030. In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030’s tourism objectives are transforming the hospitality landscape, with the Kingdom targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030. As Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination, KAFD provides a distinctive setting for Kimpton’s luxury lifestyle hospitality offering, with our pedestrian-friendly design placing world-class dining, retail, and entertainment venues all within a short walk. Kimpton’s offerings enhance our position as a destination where global travellers can indulge in contemporary hospitality and experience the Kingdom’s delights for themselves.”