IHG Launches ‘Masarona by IHG’ to Develop Saudi Arabia’s Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched Masarona by IHG, a talent development program aimed at preparing Saudi nationals for leadership roles in the global hospitality industry.

The program, whose name translates to “Our Pathway” in Arabic, is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and focuses on providing structured career pathways for local talent.

The initiative comes as Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector expands, driven by a young and dynamic population. Masarona by IHG is designed to provide Saudi colleagues with practical experience, accredited academic courses, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities for cross-functional and international exposure within IHG’s global portfolio. The program is open to both current IHG colleagues and new hires who are Saudi nationals.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Vision 2030 has positioned Saudi Arabia as the new epicenter of global hospitality. For IHG, nurturing local talent is not just a strategic imperative; it is a responsibility. Masarona by IHG provides a definitive framework to cultivate national leaders who will define the next era of our industry, both within the Kingdom and on the international stage. This is True Hospitality for Good in action.”

Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “With Masarona by IHG, we are investing in our greatest asset – our people. This program is more than just training; it’s a promise to empower our Saudi colleagues to reach their full potential and shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom. By cultivating local talent, we are not only strengthening IHG’s presence but also contributing to the sustainable growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”

Masarona by IHG builds on IHG’s existing learning and development programs, including IHG University, IHG Academy, and global leadership initiatives such as Journey to GM, RISE, and Ascent, offering participants a combination of on-the-job training, academic support, and personalized mentorship.