RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Al-Ahsa, is set to provide an enhanced hospitality experience as Hilton introduces three new resorts, establishing a farm-focused tourism hub.
The global hotel operator and Dan Co., a Public Investment Fund company specializing in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism, have jointly announced the signing of an agreement.
As part of the deal, Hilton will operate three resorts in the region: Al-Ahsa Agritourism Resort under LXR Hotels & Resorts, Al-Ahsa Eco Resort, and Al-Ahsa Adventure Resort, all part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
Covering 1.8 million sq. m., the master development in Al-Ahsa aims to establish a farm-focused tourism hub amid green landscapes and local farms, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of experiences.
Al-Ahsa, a significant agricultural region in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is home to Al-Ahsa Oasis, the largest date palm oasis in the world.
Chris Nassetta, president, and CEO of Hilton, said the three new hotels further expands the company’s footprint in Saudi Arabia, where it plans “to quadruple their portfolio.”
He said: “Al-Ahsa is one of the key regions identified under the National Tourism Strategy of Saudi Arabia, and we are pleased to bring Hilton’s renowned hospitality brands to this unique new tourism development in the country.”
Each resort will offer a unique experience: luxury at LXR Hotels & Resorts Agritourism Resort, wellness at Curio Collection by Hilton Eco Resort, and outdoor adventure at Curio Collection by Hilton Adventure Resort, according to a press release.
The central activation area, available to guests and the public, will feature a nature garden, amphitheater, dining and retail options, as well as a farmers’ market, and multi-purpose spaces for local agricultural vendors and retailers.
Abdulrahman Abaalkhail, CEO of Dan Co., said that the collaboration with Hilton to operate the initial three resorts in Al-Ahsa will combine Hilton’s world-class hospitality with the scenic landscapes of the region.
“This part of Saudi Arabia offers unique experiences rich in cultural and natural beauty yet underrepresented in the current tourism landscape. This delivers on our strategy to establish a Saudi homegrown hospitality brand with a pioneering heritage-inspired fusion of agricultural, eco, and adventure experience resorts, nestled in nature, setting a remarkable precedent in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry,” he said.
Abaalkhail added that their business approach is intertwined with promoting cultural authenticity, sustainability, and empowering local communities. This strategy not only nurtures an inclusive ecosystem but also plays a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom's overarching economic and tourism aspirations.
The release further added that the resorts will be easily accessible via main roads, with Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, Bahrain, and Qatar within a one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-hour drive away.
