A Historic Debut in the Middle East
The Kimpton Hotel Group, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle collection, has officially entered the Middle East with the opening of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh. Located in the bustling King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the launch of this property marks a milestone in Riyadh’s growing position as a global tourism and business hub. With its design-forward ethos and lively social atmosphere, Kimpton is bringing a new kind of hospitality to Saudi Arabia, blending modern comfort with authentic cultural experiences.
This opening reflects not only Kimpton’s global expansion but also Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism vision under Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a top international destination.
Kimpton’s Legacy of Design and Connection
Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton has built an international reputation for stylish hotels that prioritize community, design, and culinary creativity. Known for creating vibrant social hubs rather than just accommodations, Kimpton’s properties emphasize personalized service and cultural immersion.
Kimpton KAFD Riyadh carries forward this legacy with a property that spans 16 floors, offering 212 guest rooms and suites. From its sleek interiors to its innovative dining venues, every corner of the hotel reflects a balance of modern elegance and playful charm. Guests can enjoy leisure facilities such as an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and flexible meeting spaces that cater to both corporate and social events.
A Strategic Location in the Heart of KAFD
Positioned in King Abdullah Financial District, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh enjoys one of the most strategic addresses in the city. KAFD has quickly become Riyadh’s central hub for commerce, leisure, and entertainment, hosting the headquarters of leading global companies, premium retail outlets, and fine-dining restaurants.
Designed as a “10-minute city,” KAFD emphasizes walkability and convenience, with a world-record network of skywalks and direct access to the Riyadh Metro. For business travelers, this means being steps away from key offices and conference facilities. For leisure guests, it provides seamless access to shopping, cultural venues, and the city’s vibrant dining scene.
This location perfectly complements Kimpton’s philosophy of blending hospitality with local lifestyle, creating a hub where international travelers and Riyadh’s residents can come together.
Elevating Riyadh’s Dining Scene
Culinary innovation has always been at the heart of Kimpton’s DNA, and Kimpton KAFD Riyadh delivers with four distinct dining venues designed to suit every mood and occasion:
- Botanica: A light-filled café perfect for leisurely breakfasts and seasonal dishes, evolving into a lively spot for gatherings later in the day.
- Ziya: A sophisticated golden-hued lounge offering artisanal pastries, sandwiches, and botanical-inspired drinks in an elegant setting.
- Kanza: A poolside escape that specializes in shareable plates, designed for relaxed afternoons and social evenings.
- The Vinyl Ember: A music-inspired lounge showcasing open-fire cooking, creative mocktails, and a unique atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from breakfast to late-night dining.
These venues are designed not only for hotel guests but also as social destinations for Riyadh residents, reinforcing Kimpton’s reputation for creating culinary hubs within its properties.
A Perfect Fit for Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with Vision 2030 setting ambitious targets to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Luxury tourism plays a critical role in these plans, with international hotel brands increasingly drawn to Riyadh and other major cities.
The launch of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh supports this national strategy, enhancing the city’s appeal to both regional and global visitors. It also reflects the Kingdom’s growing stature in the luxury hotel market, which globally is projected to grow from USD 103.93 billion in 2024 to USD 156.80 billion by 2030.
As Riyadh positions itself as a leading destination for both business and leisure, the arrival of Kimpton brings a refreshing mix of lifestyle-focused hospitality that caters to modern travelers seeking design, community, and cultural authenticity.
Luxury, Comfort, and Loyalty
Kimpton KAFD Riyadh offers 212 meticulously designed rooms and suites, blending modern elegance with thoughtful details that enhance comfort. Business travelers benefit from versatile meeting rooms and event spaces, while leisure guests enjoy wellness facilities and stylish social areas.
As part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh participates in the IHG One Rewards program. Guests can take advantage of exclusive rates, loyalty benefits, and personalized experiences across IHG’s extensive global portfolio.
Transforming Riyadh’s Hospitality Landscape
With its official debut, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is poised to redefine luxury hospitality in the Saudi capital. The property reflects a perfect synergy between Kimpton’s global legacy and Riyadh’s modern aspirations. By emphasizing design-forward spaces, social connection, and outstanding dining, Kimpton offers more than a place to stay—it creates a destination in itself.
Whether guests arrive for corporate engagements in KAFD, cultural exploration, or leisure getaways, the hotel provides an experience that combines international sophistication with the vibrant energy of Riyadh.
Conclusion
The launch of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks a milestone moment for both the brand and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry. As Kimpton’s first property in the Middle East, it introduces a distinctive lifestyle-driven approach to luxury, perfectly aligned with the Kingdom’s vision for the future of tourism.
Set in the heart of Riyadh’s most dynamic district, the hotel offers a blend of world-class amenities, culinary excellence, and design-led experiences that will resonate with both global travelers and local residents. With this opening, Kimpton not only strengthens its global reach but also cements Riyadh’s status as a rising destination in the international luxury travel market.
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