AL-AHSA: The lavender carpet was laid out last Wednesday in Al-Ahsa as a special groundbreaking ceremony was held for Tuaja Luxury Resorts, marking the start of a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s rural tourism and hospitality sector.
Slated to open by early 2027, three brand new resorts — Tuaja Premium Farm Resorts, Tuaja Eco Resorts, and Tuaja Adventure Resorts — will be operated by Hilton Worldwide. All will be clustered around a central area of Al-Ahsa, surrounded by lush picturesque farms.
This trio of tailored activations are expected to play a key role in positioning Al-Ahsa as a leading destination in rural tourism, capitalizing on its location within the largest palm oasis in the world.
Attended by Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, the event marked the groundbreaking of the first luxury resort development project by Dan Company under the Tuaja brand and featured detailed mock-ups of the resort rooms.
“We remain committed to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver development projects that meet the highest standards of quality, fulfill the aspirations of citizens and visitors — and align with Vision 2030,” Prince Saud said.
Dan Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was established to unlock the potential of rural tourism across the Kingdom. This inaugural project will transform rural areas into sustainable tourism hubs that align with the goals of Vision 2030, supporting national economic diversification and community development.
Dan Company also aims to contribute approximately SR6 billion ($1.6 billion) to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030. Its strategy includes attracting around 14 million visitors, including 1.4 million overnight stays and 12 million day experiences, through an innovative business model that combines luxury hospitality under the Tuaja Luxury Resorts brand, with rural lodges developed in partnership with local communities across the Kingdom.
The Tuaja resorts are being developed in the Al-Ahsa region with the support of the Al-Ahsa Development Authority.
Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kroud, chairman, Dan Company, who describes himself as “a son of Al-Ahsa,” underlined the significance of the event, saying: “Today marks a major milestone and turning point in our journey to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences across the Kingdom, celebrating the cultural, historical, and natural richness of the Al-Ahsa region. Tuaja resorts are not merely destinations, they offer an extraordinary blend of authenticity and modernity.”
During the ceremony, Abdulrahman Abaalkhail, chief executive of Dan Company, was in conversation with popular media personality Weam Al-Dakheel, highlighting the company’s vision to redefine rural tourism through immersive, community-driven experiences.
The Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa will cover 1.8 million square meters and feature nearly 200 accommodation units, including upscale villas and hotel rooms — some with private pools.
These developments represent the first phase of the Tuaja resort portfolio, which will expand to other regions across the Kingdom. Each resort will feature a design identity rooted in the culture and natural character of its location.
Dan Company is aiming for LEED Gold certification for all its developments.
