Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe, will open four new hotels in Saudi Arabia in 2017 as it continues to look to markets in the GCC to drive business growth and expansion, the company’s chief operating officer Guy Hutchinson said in Jeddah on the sidelines of the Rotana Hotels 2017 GCC Roadshow.
All four of the upcoming Rotana properties in the Kingdom will be under the company’s affordable lifestyle hotel brand “Centro by Rotana.”
Centro Waha, Riyadh will open in the second quarter of this year and Centro Salama, Jeddah will open in the third quarter of this year, while the remaining two properties — Centro Olaya, Riyadh and Centro Corniche, Alkhobar — are set for a Q4 2017 opening. The projects represent a total investment of $130 million.
“Saudi Arabia is pivotal to Rotana’s expansion strategy for the region,” Hutchinson said. “Despite the knock-on effects of the oil price slide and the prevailing tough global economic environment on tourism spending, Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector has shown remarkable resilience, thanks to the nation’s determined push toward economic diversification. The Saudi government recognizes the crucial role that tourism can play in driving the country’s economy away from oil dependency and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and is doing everything in its capacity to support the creation of a world-class tourism infrastructure to set the ground for future growth.”
He added: “Widening the accommodation choices for visitors by bringing more mid-market offerings to the market is vital to keeping Saudi Arabia on the fast track toward achieving its tourism goals. There is today an urgent need for more budget-friendly hotels in the Kingdom as travelers look for affordable accommodation that doesn’t compromise on comfort and convenience. Rotana is responding to these demands by bringing to Saudi Arabia an impressive collection of properties under our ‘Centro’ brand, which has redefined the rules of the mid-market game by combining world-class service and comfort in an affordable package.”
In addition to being one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing inbound tourism markets, Saudi Arabia is also a key driver of travel demand for Rotana hotels across the region.
“Saudi Arabia is the second largest feeder market for Rotana hotels in the region after Great Britain. We remain very optimistic on the Kingdom’s tourism sector and we expect occupancy rates at our hotels in 2017 to be in line with last year’s numbers,” Hutchinson said. “Rotana recognizes the catalytic potential of hospitality and tourism in helping Saudi Arabia usher in an era of diversified economic growth, and we are committed to supporting and contributing to the goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 roadmap.”
Rotana announces $130 million investment, support for Vision 2030
Rotana announces $130 million investment, support for Vision 2030
New energy vehicles drive next phase of mobility in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia stands at a defining moment in its mobility transformation. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is accelerating its transition toward cleaner, smarter and more connected transport systems.
New energy vehicles are at the center of this shift, offering a pathway to a more sustainable automotive ecosystem. Yet while consumer interest is rising rapidly, converting intent into everyday adoption will depend on how effectively the wider mobility system evolves alongside electric vehicles.
Recent nationwide research by Al-Futtaim highlights the strength of this momentum. More than 70 percent of Saudi residents surveyed are already familiar with NEVs, while nearly eight in 10 say they would consider purchasing one as their next vehicle. Most notably, 80 percent expect to buy an electric vehicle within the next three years, signaling that the transition is moving from aspiration to reality.
Despite this optimism, important barriers remain. Range anxiety continues to be the most frequently cited concern, alongside high purchase prices and long charging times. Practical considerations dominate purchasing decisions, with affordability and access to charging infrastructure outweighing environmental motivations. These findings underline a pressing reality: consumers will embrace NEVs at scale only when electric mobility feels as convenient, reliable and accessible as conventional driving.
For industry leaders, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Jerome Saigot, managing director of Al-Futtaim BYD KSA, said: “Saudi Arabia is building the foundations for a future-ready mobility system under Vision 2030. The opportunity now is to connect the dots, bringing together vehicles, charging infrastructure, consumer education and service capability to unlock confident, large-scale adoption of new energy vehicles.”
Charging networks therefore play a central role in supporting adoption, but they are not the only requirement. NEV uptake is closely linked to how cities are planned, how people commute and how transport systems connect.
Emerging mobility models also point to a more connected future. High levels of openness to mobility-as-a-service, autonomous vehicles and shared transport indicate that Saudi consumers are receptive to innovation. However, these technologies will succeed only if they are embedded within systems that link vehicles, infrastructure, data and urban design.
Successful electric mobility ecosystems need to be built around coordinated rather than isolated initiatives. Electric vehicles perform best when supported by reliable charging, smart traffic management, efficient public transport and well-designed urban environments. In this context, NEVs benefit directly from parallel investment in rail, bus networks, digital platforms and active mobility infrastructure.
Encouragingly, public confidence in Saudi Arabia’s long-term mobility vision remains strong. More than 85 percent of respondents surveyed by Al-Futtaim believe the Kingdom is on track to lead in future mobility. Consumers also clearly identify priorities for continued progress, including expanding charging infrastructure, improving mass transportation and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
For policymakers, investors and industry players, the message is clear. The next phase of mobility transformation must focus on alignment: aligning infrastructure with consumer expectations, aligning innovation with everyday needs, and aligning public and private investment around shared outcomes.
Saudi Arabia’s mobility transition is no longer a distant ambition. It is unfolding now, shaped by confident consumers, ambitious institutions and accelerating technological change. By building connected systems that place people at their center, the Kingdom can ensure that electric mobility becomes a lasting part of its sustainable future.
To explore these insights and recommendations in more detail, download The Future of Mobility in Saudi Arabia.
