Mandarin Oriental consolidates its foothold in the Middle East

The Mandarin Oriental group is continuing its strategic expansion in the Arabian Peninsula with the announcement of a new hotel and luxury residences in the heart of Jeddah.

This development, scheduled to open in 2030, confirms the hotel group’s commitment to strengthening its presence in a region that has become one of the world’s most dynamic markets for luxury hospitality.

A new showcase for luxury on the Red Sea

Mandarin Oriental is taking a decisive step in Saudi Arabia with the unveiling of an international hotel complex in Jeddah, located in the heart of the vast Jeddah Central urban project on the Red Sea coast.

Designed as a low-density residential complex, the hotel aims to become a haven of tranquility within a rapidly changing urban area : the international firm Kohn Pedersen Fox has been commissioned to create a building for this purpose. The agency intends to take advantage of the vitality of the new marina while preserving the calm offered by the waters of the Red Sea.

The project is part of a destination currently under construction that is set to become one of the country’s most important leisure and cultural hubs, featuring an opera house, an oceanarium, a stadium, and a museum.

Laurent Kleitman, CEO of the Mandarin Oriental Group, said : “We are delighted to expand our presence in the Middle East by partnering with Jeddah Central Development Company and KPF to bring our award-winning brand to the city’s iconic Central Project. KPF’s architectural vision, rooted in sustainability and a deep respect for the location, is perfectly aligned with Mandarin Oriental’s values of craftsmanship and design excellence.”

The Mandarin Oriental property will also feature 140 rooms and suites offering unobstructed views of the Red Sea. A residential section will reinforce this high-end positioning with 115 apartments designed for long-term stays and 187 branded residences designed as true single-family homes. The latter will provide access to an exclusive selection of amenities, including a library, cinema, games room, and golf simulator, among others.

Five restaurants will complete the complex, offering cuisine inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s iconic gastronomic concepts. Event spaces and a large ballroom will also make the complex a popular venue for professional and private receptions. Finally, wellness will remain one of the pillars of the future hotel with the presence of the Mandarin Oriental Spa, renowned for its signature treatments and holistic approach.

Confirmation of Mandarin Oriental’s strategy

The announced opening is part of a broader dynamic for the Group, which already has a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, and Riyadh. For its leaders, the creation of this address in Jeddah reaffirms Mandarin Oriental’s confidence in the potential of the Saudi market, buoyed by the success of the recently opened Mandarin Oriental Riyadh.

Jeddah’s rise is also part of the Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and position the country as a global tourist destination. Driven by massive urban development and the emergence of new neighborhoods, the city is now attracting more and more major hotel groups such as IHG, Accor, and Marriott.

With more than six million visitors per year and a strategic location on the Red Sea, Jeddah is transforming into a key hub for tourism and commercial development in Saudi Arabia. The arrival of Mandarin Oriental is set to mark a new stage in this evolution, helping to position the city as one of the region’s must-visit destinations.

Ahmed Al Sulaim, CEO of Jeddah Central Development Company, commented on the arrival : “We are delighted to partner with Mandarin Oriental to create one of Jeddah Central’s flagship luxury hotels, a destination that reflects our vision of redefining urban living and hospitality on the Red Sea coast. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to positioning Jeddah as a leading global destination for business, leisure, and culture, offering unique life experiences for generations to come.”