The Saudi government’s increased investment in infrastructure development and its support to the entertainment and sports sectors will spur growth for the hospitality and tourism industry in the Kingdom, said Muin Serhan, general manager of Riyadh Marriott Hotel, on Tuesday.
Serhan said the Finance Ministry has approved a loan of SR851 million for 12 health, education and hospitality projects.
“The hospitality sector is a significant beneficiary of the Saudi government’s measures aimed at bolstering business networks through its focus on sports and entertainment,” he said, referring to the recently announced budgetary allocations.
He said: “The move will also boost inbound and domestic tourism substantially, driving significant growth opportunities for the hospitality industry.”
He said: “The Riyadh Marriott Hotel welcomes guests with 5-star sophistication at a prime location in the city's business hub. Here you will feel as if you have come to a truly special place. Here we have 418 elegant rooms and suites, which are sumptuously furnished with all amenities, including high-speed Internet access, marble bathrooms and deluxe featherbed mattresses.”
He said The Marriott Hotel will be opened by mid-2018 in the Diplomatic Quarters in the Saudi capital.
Referring to the consistent growth of business within the framework of the Saudi Vision 2030, Serhan said Saudi Arabia is also set to launch an SR10 billion ($2.67 billion) entertainment company as it aims to create 22,000 jobs in the underserved sector.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) said it is in the process of forming a company that will channel investments into developing the industry and enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal as a tourism destination.
The Islamic Sports Federation (ISF) has also announced the provision of financial support in addition to the allocation of a special building in this regard.
The federation’s plans to host sports activities will further boost business for hospitality sector. The Kingdom has gone the extra mile in supporting the sports and entertainment sectors.
“The chess championship added an exciting new dimension to sports in Saudi Arabia,” Serhan added.
Saudi support boosts hospitality industry growth
Saudi support boosts hospitality industry growth
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
