Kimpton Debuts in the Middle East with the Opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh

Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, announces a landmark moment with the opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh as the first Kimpton hotel in the Middle East, in Riyadh’s iconic King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).

Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton has become a globally celebrated brand known for its design-led hotels that serve as vibrant community hubs. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks a significant step in the brand’s strategic expansion into the region, catering to the growing demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences.

The hotel, which rises gracefully across 16 floors, blends Kimpton’s playful personality with contemporary elegance. It offers guests a complete lifestyle destination with four unique dining venues, a sun-drenched outdoor pool deck, a state-of-the-art health club, and flexible meeting and event spaces.

A Perfect Place to Call Home

Located in the heart of the lively King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is perfectly positioned to offer guests convenient access to the area’s nearby offices, shops, restaurants, and entertainment, whether they are traveling for work or play. As Riyadh’s premier commercial and lifestyle destination, KAFD is home to the leading businesses in Saudi Arabia and the regional headquarters of several prestigious global organizations. Its pedestrian-friendly design, which embodies the concept of a 10-minute city, offers guests every convenience within moments, through a world record-setting network of skywalks and direct connectivity to the Riyadh metro network.

Additionally, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, helping to bring more world-class hospitality to the region, Kimpton’s unique style will make Riyadh an even more exciting destination for global travellers.

“Saudi Arabia is an important market for our growth ambitions in the region and we are proud to bring new brands to offer diverse experiences to guests visiting the Kingdom. The addition of a brand as unique as Kimpton in a destination as iconic as KAFD showcases our strategic alignment with the tourism ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030. Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is poised to deliver a unique and premium experience that meets the evolving demands of modern travelers visiting the region,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer at KAFD DMC, added: “We are thrilled to welcome the first Kimpton in the Middle East to KAFD. The global luxury hotel market is witnessing remarkable growth, valued at USD 103.93 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 156.80 billion by 2030, with the number of luxury rooms expected to increase from 1.6 million to 1.9 million by 2030. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030 are transforming the hospitality sector, with a target of 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

As Riyadh’s premier business and lifestyle destination, KAFD is ideally positioned to host the Kimpton Hotel, located within walking distance of world-class restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment venues. The opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh reinforces our position as a premier destination that invites global travelers to enjoy the highest standards of modern hospitality and discover the treasures of the Kingdom.”

Eat + Drink

Food and drink has always been a cornerstone of Kimpton, and its restaurants are destinations in their own right. These buzzy community hubs and locally-loved spots are led by chefs, drinks professionals and restauranteurs who are obsessed with the best food, drink and service out there. Kimpton KAFD Riyadh offers four distinct dining spots, each with its own vibe and flavour:

• Botanica: This leafy, sunlit café is perfect for starting the day with a world-class breakfast. Later, it becomes a relaxed eatery where guests can share seasonal dishes and handcrafted drinks with friends.
• Ziya: Step into this golden-hued, refined space for a taste of artful dining. The lobby lounge space serves elevated pastries, artisanal sandwiches and botanical drinks in a sophisticated, inviting setting.
• Kanza: Those looking to unwind can escape to this tranquil poolside sanctuary that’s bound to become the go-to spot for a laid-back evening. The menu is all about sharing, perfect for a relaxed get-together.
• The Vinyl Ember: This dimly lit, vinyl-themed lounge is where music, fire, and flavor come together. Enjoy open-fire cooking, artful mocktails and immersive vibes for breakfast and dinner.

Key Facts: Kimpton KAFD Riyadh

• Rooms & Suites: 212
• Dining Venues: 4 (Botanica, Ziya, Kanza, The Vinyl Ember)
• Facilities: Outdoor pool, health club, flexible meeting/event spaces
• Loyalty: IHG One Rewards member property

Guests staying at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh can also take advantage of IHG One Rewards, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ industry-leading loyalty program, providing access to exclusive rates and personalized benefits across a global network of hotels.

For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel’s website or book directly using the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE: IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 145 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms and 6,700 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties.

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InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 385,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

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