IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies in the world, has signed a management agreement with Dana Bay Tourism Company to open InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay and expand its luxury footprint in the Kingdom.

IHG Hotels & Resorts recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand. From one hotel to more than 200, InterContinental has grown with the advent of technology and evolving hotel operations, but its pioneering spirit of luxury travel endures.

Scheduled to open its doors to guests in December 2024, InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay will be situated just 30km from the city centre and 45km from King Fahed International Airport, making it the perfect destination for travellers wishing to explore the cultural sights of Al Khobar.

The surrounding development of Dana Bay is spread over 2.8 million square meters with 14 km of beach line, provides overlooking views of the sea of the Half Moon Bay, and includes water sports, a diving centre, equestrian sports, aqua park, and an F&B strip.

Being developed as a best-in-class product, InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay will feature 133 luxuriously designed rooms, 90 InterContinental residences, and 36 villas, in addition to offering four dining options, an indoor and outdoor pool, a health club, and a spa. The hotel will also offer a business centre and four meeting rooms, catering to the needs of both business and leisure guests.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “The concept and quality of the master plan makes this an exciting new addition, not only to the Eastern Province but also to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. IHG has pioneered luxury travel in new destinations for decades and will now bring the allure of travel to Al Khobar as well.”

“For a city that is so rich in culture and heritage, we believe that InterContinental Al Khobar Dana Bay will offer guests a truly unique travel experience. In line with consumer trends, we expect emerging destinations like Al Khobar to become more popular with travellers who are seeking new and unique experiences.

“We are also honoured to expand our hotels further in Saudi Arabia to align with the country’s Tourism Development Strategy - Vision 2030. With 37 hotels operating across 5 of our core brands in Saudi Arabia, we look forward to welcoming guests to the newest addition to our portfolio, as it comes to life in the coming years,” Mattar added.

Abdulmohsin Al Rashed, Chairman, Dana Bay Development said: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, to bring the renowned InterContinental brand to Dana Bay. The resort is part of a three-phased plan, the first of which includes a waterpark that was completed in 2020. Dana Bay is the largest water-front development in Eastern Province and most popular. I am confident that our partnership will be a huge success as we cater to the needs of the modern business and leisure travellers visiting the city of Al Khobar.”

IHG has a strong presence in Al Khobar, with an InterContinental, a Crowne Plaza, voco, Staybridge Suites and three Holiday Inn hotels. Nationwide, IHG currently operates 37 hotels across 5 brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza,  Holiday Inn , Staybridge Suites and voco with a further 31 hotels in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.  – TradeArabia News Service