In a week when Riyadh played host to the inaugural TOURISE 2025 summit, complete with its polished stages and even shinier ambitions, Shaza Hotels seized the moment and four new Memoranda of Understanding to underscore its growing role in Saudi Arabia’s re-imagined tourism landscape.
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, the company signed agreements for four developments across Riyadh and Makkah, marking one of its most assertive expansion pushes yet. The projects strengthen Shaza’s foothold in markets central to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for transforming tourism, culture, and destination appeal.
For a brand built on Middle Eastern hospitality traditions, it’s an expansion narrative that marries heritage with a very modern appetite for scale.
Four projects, one clear direction
Presented to global investors and industry leaders attending the 11–13 November summit, Shaza’s new projects include:
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Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort – a premium leisure retreat in Al Jubailah
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Mysk Residences Riyadh – a boutique aparthotel on King Salman Road
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Mysk Al Haramain Hotels 3 & 4 – two upscale Makkah properties for pilgrims
If that weren’t enough, Shaza also chose the summit floor to unveil a broader USD 950 million global pipeline, spanning destinations from the Maldives to the United States, proof that the Saudi growth spurt is part of a much larger strategic arc.
The company’s regional partners include Al Rajhi Investments, Adante Realty LLC (Oman), and FSM Hospitality Company, each playing a role in bringing the projects from the planning stage to opening day.
“Authentic experiences and world-class hospitality”
Shaza Hotels President and CEO Simon Coombs was characteristically direct when discussing the new signings.
“We are pleased to be part of TOURISE 2025 under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism for the signing of four new MoUs that reflect the strength and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape,” Coombs said. “Each project Mysk Residences Riyadh, Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels 3 & 4 in Makkah has been conceived to address distinct guest segments, from business and leisure travellers to long-stay residents and pilgrims.”
He added that the partnerships underline Shaza’s expanding presence in the Kingdom and its commitment to “working with visionary owners to deliver authentic experiences and world-class hospitality.”
There are hotel chains that speak of authenticity; Shaza, it seems, has decided to build it in four locations at once.
Mysk Residences Riyadh – a boutique foothold in the capital
The MoU for Mysk Residences Riyadh was formalised between Coombs and Dr Adil Alexander, CEO of Adante Realty LLC, Oman. The development will feature 58 boutique apartments, spanning one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, as well as penthouse options, aimed at the business, leisure and extended-stay markets.
Located just 10 minutes from Riyadh International Airport and a short drive from the rapidly developing Qiddiya and Murabba mega-projects, the property is positioned to attract both domestic and international travellers who prefer calm surroundings to capital-city congestion.
Amenities include a gym, swimming pool, 24-hour café and in-room dining, a modern, compact mix for a market increasingly accustomed to serviced-residence living.
Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort – equestrian elegance meets leisure living
Perhaps the most distinctive of the four projects is the Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, signed between Coombs and His Highness Prince Fahad Saad Al Saud, Chairman of FSM Hospitality Company.
For those unfamiliar with equestrian culture, Riyadh’s horse-riding heritage is as much about prestige as it is about sport. Shaza’s 63,500-square-metre resort seeks to channel both.
Centred on an equestrian theme, the resort will offer a fully equipped club with 100 horse boxes, three professional arenas and three scenic circuits for walking, cycling and horse riding. A cluster of 31 bungalows, a signature spa, dedicated male and female gyms, paddle courts, soccer fields and a water park round out a wide-ranging leisure offer designed to appeal to families and wellness-focused travellers.
Add in indoor and outdoor dining, and the result is a development pitched as a retreat with a distinctly Saudi accent, one blending sport, nature, rest and recreation.
Mysk Al Haramain Hotels 3 & 4 – positioned for pilgrims
The MoUs for Mysk Al Haramain Hotels 3 & 4 were signed with Al Rajhi Investments, represented by CEO Fuad Al Rashed. With 264 keys and 182 keys respectively, the two properties will sit just 10 minutes from the Holy Masjid al-Haram, serving the swelling demand from Umrah travellers.
Designed with a strong focus on comfort, convenience and spiritual ambience, each hotel will feature a café, all-day dining, prayer rooms and shuttle services operating to and from the Holy Mosque.
In a market where location is everything, these properties appear engineered for reliability, serenity and seamless access.
“Harnessing key growth corridors”
Shaza Hotels’ Vice President of Business Development & Growth, Shaji Abu Salih, said the developments were meticulously planned to align with the Kingdom’s tourism evolution.
“Each of these four developments has been strategically conceived to harness key growth corridors and destination opportunities shaping the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape,” he said at TOURISE 2025. “Collectively, these projects reinforce Shaza Hotels’ diversified portfolio strategy seamlessly bridging business, leisure, long-stay, and spiritual travel segments while deepening the brand’s long-term presence and investment in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic tourism ecosystem.”
It’s a diplomatic way of saying the company has built itself a seat at the table and intends to stay there.
A strategic expansion aligned with national ambition
Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape is changing at a pace the region hasn’t seen before, aided by policy reform, infrastructure spending and a deliberate strategy to diversify its economy. International hotel groups are eyeing opportunities; Shaza, however, appears determined not just to participate, but to lead in distinct niches aligned with cultural authenticity.
The four new MoUs confirm Shaza is betting big on the Kingdom’s long-term market fundamentals: rising visitation, mega-project momentum, and a government whose hospitality ambitions stretch well beyond 2030.
With USD 950 million in additional global projects on the horizon, the company’s expansion is both regional and international in scope. Still, the message from TOURISE 2025 is clear: Saudi Arabia remains the centrepiece.
By Kanda Limw – (c) 2025
Read Time: 5 minutes.
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