Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, and Gilles Cretallaz.
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Updated 11 August 2025
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Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Thai hospitality company Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al-Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al-Ahsa — a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by notable dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, chief business officer of the Tourism Development Fund; Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, chairman of Al-Ghadeer Group of Companies; and Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer of Dusit International.

Located just 30 minutes by car from Al-Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation.

Designed by Cairo-based El-Ghoneimi Architects, the resort’s masterplan draws inspiration from the desert’s timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree.

Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness center with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500-square-meter ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travelers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids’ pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment.

Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures such as Al-Qarah Mountain, Juatha Park, and the historic Qaisariah Souq, the resort is ideally positioned to serve as a gateway for domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful experiences and immersive stays amid the largest oasis in the world.

“This important signing reflects our strategic commitment to bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to key destinations worldwide and our dedication to delivering sustainable value for the communities we serve,” said Cretallaz. “We are delighted to partner with Al-Ghadeer Group to create a destination that celebrates Al-Ahsa’s rich heritage and natural beauty while offering exceptional comfort, modern luxury, responsible design, and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.”

Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa underscores Dusit International’s continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region. 

It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al-Majma’ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year.


Dhahran Mall celebrates community through Sharqiyah International Race, launches Al-Tajdeed initiative

Updated 20 December 2025
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Dhahran Mall celebrates community through Sharqiyah International Race, launches Al-Tajdeed initiative

For nearly two decades, Dhahran Mall has served as a gathering place where families create memories, communities come together, and generations celebrate life’s milestones in the Eastern Province. This commitment to community was reaffirmed this past weekend as Dhahran Mall served as the golden sponsor of the 27th Sharqiyah International Race, continuing the community engagement that has always defined the mall’s identity.

Held along Alkhobar Corniche on Dec. 13, under the patronage of Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef, the race brought together approximately 10,000 participants from across the Kingdom and beyond. In the days leading up to the event, Dhahran Mall hosted the official race kit distribution, welcoming an average of 2,000 runners daily over three days.

Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, Dhahran Mall partnered with Swaed Association for Physical Disability in the Eastern Province for a meaningful activation on Dec. 11. The event invited community members to experience wheelchair mobility firsthand, developing empathy and understanding. Persons with disabilities participated in a symbolic race from Gate 1 to Gate 3, joined by one of Saudi Arabia’s handball champions, reinforcing the message that sports and wellness unite everyone. Participants shared powerful reflections on accessibility and the importance of physical activity for all community members.

These initiatives embody what Dhahran Mall has always stood for: creating moments that resonate beyond the transaction, developing connections that endure, and serving as a cornerstone where every member of the community is welcomed and celebrated. Through programs that champion inclusivity, health, and social well-being, Dhahran Mall continues to demonstrate that meaningful engagement and authentic relationships are at the heart of everything it does.

Al-Tajdeed: Elevating guests’ experiences

This spirit of renewal and recommitment extends to Al-Tajdeed, Dhahran Mall’s comprehensive refresh initiative that began in December and will continue throughout 2026. Al-Tajdeed, meaning “renewal” in Arabic, honors the mall’s legacy while preparing for its future. This initiative will enhance guest experiences, elevate the aesthetic environment, and reinforce Dhahran Mall’s role as the Eastern Province’s premier destination for meaningful retail and lifestyle experiences. Looking ahead, the planned Dhahran Boulevard expansion will further enrich the mixed-use environment, creating new dimensions of hospitality, community, and connection.

“At Dhahran Mall, we believe that true success is measured in the memories we help create and the communities we serve,” said Majed Algothmi, acting CEO. “Our sponsorship of the Sharqiyah International Race and our partnership with Swaed Association reflect our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. For nearly 20 years, families from all walks of life have trusted us with their celebrations, their everyday moments, and their special occasions. Al-Tajdeed is our promise to honor that trust by renewing our spaces while staying true to the values that have made Dhahran Mall a beloved institution in the Eastern Province.”

Since opening its doors in 2005, Dhahran Mall has been woven into the fabric of the Eastern Province. It has witnessed first steps in its corridors, celebrated countless Eid celebrations, hosted family traditions, and served as a backdrop for the everyday moments that define a community. Al-Tajdeed honors this rich legacy, built on genuine relationships and meaningful connections that span generations.

Dhahran Mall’s enduring strength lies in authentic connection. It’s the warmth of familiar spaces, the trust built over the years, and the understanding that a mall’s true value lives in how deeply it integrates into the lives of the people it serves. As the Eastern Province continues to grow and transform, Dhahran Mall remains committed to being the destination where community comes first, where memories are made, and where every visit feels like coming home.