Radisson's Saudi Expansion Reveals a Split Gulf Recovery
Radisson Hotel Group is maintaining its target of 100 hotels in operation and development in Saudi Arabia by 2030, despite disruption from the U.S.-Iran war. Executive Elie Younes cites Saudi Arabia's domestic-driven demand as more resilient than the UAE's international-dependent market, forecasting recovery by June 2026, earlier than external forecasts of 2027. Expansion is shifting to secondary cities and the three- and four-star tier, favoring new builds.
Impact and considerations
Radisson's strategy highlights Saudi Arabia's domestic demand as a hedge in the Gulf's uneven recovery, while the UAE faces steeper declines in international arrivals, informing business travelers' hotel choices and investment decisions.
Key points
- Radisson maintains its target of 100 hotels in operation and development in Saudi Arabia by 2030.
- Saudi Arabia's domestic-driven demand is more resilient than the UAE's international-dependent market.
- Recovery expected by June 2026, earlier than external forecasts of 2027.
- Expansion extends to about ten secondary cities, favoring new builds.
- Focus on three- and four-star tier alongside upscale and luxury brands.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 24 Aug 2026, 19:41
- Page published
- 24 Aug 2026, 19:52
- Last updated
- 24 Aug 2026, 19:41
- Original links
- Skift Feed：Radisson’s Saudi Arabia Expansion Reveals A Split Gulf Recovery (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 24 Aug 2026, 19:41