Red Sea International, Plaza Premium Group to pioneer lounge services

The terminal’s architecture is crafted to bring the exclusive feel of a private aircraft terminal to every traveler.
Short Url
Updated 22 March 2025
Follow

Red Sea International, Plaza Premium Group to pioneer lounge services

daa International has announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Plaza Premium Group, a global leader in airport hospitality, for the management of premium hospitality services at Red Sea International Airport. 

This collaboration will see PPG implement its exceptional Plaza Premium First standards in Saudi Arabia for the first time, further reinforcing RSI’s position as a best-in-class airport that blends seamless efficiency with first-class hospitality.

The Plaza Premium Group will manage a range of premium services that include four premium lounges for passengers, five F&B outlets, and seven dining rooms catering to airport staff. In a first for Saudi Arabia, the premium departure lounges will deliver a fully a la carte dining experience for all passengers as a luxurious final touchpoint on their departure journey. 

Andrew Tyler-Smith, chief executive officer of RSI, said: “Our partnership with Plaza Premium Group marks an exciting step forward in delivering an elevated airport experience. By combining our expertise in airport management with Plaza Premium Group’s global excellence in hospitality, we are setting a new standard for comfort, service, and innovation. We look forward to welcoming travelers to our premium lounges and dining spaces, where every detail is designed to enhance their journey.” 

The new RSI airport has been thoughtfully designed to draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the desert, the serenity of a green oasis, and the vastness of the sea. This innovative design aims to eliminate the usual stresses associated with travel, offering passengers a tranquil and memorable experience from the moment they arrive. 

The terminal’s architecture is crafted to bring the exclusive feel of a private aircraft terminal to every traveler. By creating smaller, intimate spaces, the airport ensures a luxurious and personalized experience for all passengers. The lounges and F&B outlets will be meticulously designed to provide a luxurious and relaxing environment, perfectly aligning with the sustainable and high-end ethos of The Red Sea destination. 

Bora Isbulan, deputy CEO of Plaza Premium Group, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Red Sea International Airport at this groundbreaking airport. With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the forefront of our strategic priorities and significant investments allocated for the region, we take immense pride in this partnership. As the global leader in airport hospitality solutions with the largest network of lounges worldwide, we will leverage our expertise to transform this sustainable gateway into a luxury destination for discerning travelers. Our world-class teams, award-winning services and integrated technology solutions deliver personalized journeys at every touchpoint. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to elevating airport experiences while supporting the Red Sea destination’s vision for responsible luxury tourism.” 

Okan Kufeci, senior vice president, EMEA of Plaza Premium Group, said: “Our strategic partnership with Red Sea International Airport marks a significant milestone in our portfolio expansion across Middle East. By introducing Plaza Premium First standards to Saudi Arabia, we are not only enhancing the travel experience but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality solutions globally. This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to innovate and elevate airport services, setting new benchmarks for comfort and luxury.”


LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat

Updated 24 January 2026
Follow

LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat

LuLu Group has signed a landmark MoU with Sulalat Coffee during the 5th edition of World of Coffee Dubai trade show. This exclusive retail partnership is designed to enhance the specialty coffee offerings across LuLu Hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, meeting the growing demand for premium coffee experiences within the region.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haris, director, Saudi Arabia, LuLu Group, and Abdulelah Al-Murqi, marketing director, Sulalat Coffee. Through this collaboration, LuLu Group will provide a dedicated platform for Sulalat’s specialty-grade beans, which are globally sourced and roasted in Riyadh. This initiative ensures that world-class coffee quality, previously reserved for niche aficionados, is now readily accessible to coffee lovers throughout the Kingdom.
By partnering with Sulalat Coffee, LuLu Group is integrating artisanal expertise with large-scale retail excellence. Sulalat has been a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement in the region, and this partnership allows LuLu to showcase unique varieties and professional-grade roasting. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to celebrate the thriving local coffee culture and deliver an unparalleled selection of premium products to everyday consumers.
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership reinforces LuLu Group’s commitment to empowering homegrown brands and fostering economic diversification within the Kingdom. By providing a global stage for local excellence at events like World of Coffee Dubai, LuLu continues to support the growth of a vibrant private sector and a sustainable retail ecosystem.
As the premier platform for the industry, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 highlights the rapid growth and innovation within the regional coffee scene. With the event attracting more than 17,000 visitors and hundreds of global exhibitors, it provides a vital stage for industry leaders to connect.