Sofitel Opens First Hotel and Convention Centre in Riyadh
Sofitel, Accor’s French luxury hospitality brand, has announced the opening of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, marking its debut in the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in Ar Rahmaniyyah, the property aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s hospitality development, international connectivity, and the growth of business and cultural events.
The hotel features 388 rooms and suites and includes the Princess Nouf International Convention Centre, offering nearly 8,500 square metres of event space.
Only 35 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, with private transfers available, the hotel is also close to key city attractions, including Kingdom Centre Tower, Kingdom Centre Mall, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah.
French-inspired hospitality with a local perspective
Designed as a destination-led property, Sofitel Riyadh blends Sofitel’s French identity with elements inspired by Saudi culture and contemporary Riyadh. The architecture draws inspiration from desert dunes and references the first letter of King Abdullah’s name, reflecting a connection to the Kingdom’s heritage.
A signature Sofitel tradition, the Sofitel Candle Ritual, is also part of the guest experience. Inspired by Parisian streets once lit by candlelight during the era of Louis XIV, the ritual adds a cultural touchpoint to the hotel’s atmosphere.
Convention and event spaces in the heart of Riyadh
The property positions itself as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, and social occasions through the Princess Nouf International Convention Centre, offering close to 8,500 square metres of flexible space. Facilities include a grand ballroom, breakout rooms, and event technology infrastructure, with a capacity of up to 4,000 guests.
Dining concepts across multiple venues
Sofitel Riyadh introduces several dining and lounge options, combining international formats with regional influences:
Thu-rya – a modern interpretation of Lebanese cuisine
Zeline – all-day dining with an international menu
La Matinée – tea lounge serving teas and pastries
Monsieur Boisé (opening soon) – cigar lounge with premium cigar pairings
Toi et Moi – French Mediterranean brasserie focused on shared dining
La Haute Croissanterie – Sofitel’s signature pastry experience featuring French viennoiseries
Wellness offerings with Clarins partnership
The hotel’s wellness facilities include a Sofitel Spa (opening soon) in partnership with Clarins, with separate facilities for men and women. Planned features include two indoor pools, two vitality pools, a Hammam, thermal facilities, and 12 treatment rooms.
The spa will operate as the first Clarins Spa in Riyadh, with a treatment menu curated by Spa and Wellness Director Mohamed Mahdawi, including face and body therapies using Clarins products, as well as Hammam and body rituals featuring Charme d’Orient.
Sofitel’s expansion in Saudi Arabia
The opening of Sofitel Riyadh reflects the brand’s continued development, with Sofitel currently undergoing a broader portfolio update and new properties planned globally. In Saudi Arabia, Sofitel currently operates hotels in Madinah, Al Khobar, and Riyadh, with additional properties in the pipeline, including Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, which is planned to be the brand’s largest hotel worldwide.
Fadeel G. Wehbe, Managing Director of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, said: “We are thrilled to welcome guests to our hotel. Riyadh is a vibrant metropolis at the forefront of cultural and economic transformation, and the hotel offers a front-row seat to this remarkable evolution. Combining Sofitel’s hallmark French zest with Riyadh’s rich traditions, we aim to provide guests with a space that is both inspiring and luxurious.”
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, added: “The Middle East is a strategic region for Sofitel, with Saudi Arabia at the heart of our development momentum. Sofitel Riyadh Convention Centre stands as a bold expression of our brand’s renewal and global vision, and as our first address in the capital, it perfectly embodies a culturally rooted, emotionally engaging luxury where French art de vivre meets the vibrant spirit of Riyadh.”
Community engagement
In line with its cultural and social initiatives, Sofitel continues its engagement through the King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation, supporting education, empowerment, and cultural programmes.
With its location, event facilities, dining concepts, and upcoming wellness offerings, Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre adds a new address to Riyadh’s growing hospitality scene, welcoming travellers looking to experience the city through a French-inspired lens.
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