Rafal and Rove Hotels Announce Multi-Property Development Plan in Riyadh

Rafal Real Estate Development Company has partnered with Rove Hotels to bring a portfolio of lifestyle hotels to Riyadh. The agreement marks the entry of the Dubai-born brand into Saudi Arabia and supports the capital’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape.

Partnership Overview

The collaboration will deliver multiple Rove-branded hotels across strategic locations in Riyadh. The first project is planned for Olaya Street, a prominent commercial district, positioning the development within close reach of business hubs and urban attractions.

Rove Hotels: Brand Profile

Rove Hotels is a contemporary lifestyle hospitality brand launched in Dubai through a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding. The brand has scaled rapidly across the region, with a portfolio of more than 8,000 rooms either operational or under development. Its offerings focus on efficient design, tech-enabled services, sustainability, and value-driven stays.

Project Positioning in Riyadh

The upcoming properties are designed to meet the needs of:

• Business travellers seeking convenient city access
• Leisure visitors exploring Riyadh’s growing tourism ecosystem
• Longer-stay guests looking for flexible, mid-market accommodation

Locations will be selected to align with high-demand urban corridors and emerging districts.

Leadership Insights

Senior leadership from both organisations emphasised that the partnership combines Rafal’s development expertise with Rove’s proven hospitality model. The initiative is positioned to introduce modern, design-led hotel concepts tailored to regional and international travellers.

Riyadh’s Hospitality Growth Drivers

Vision 2030 and Infrastructure Expansion

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 continues to reshape Riyadh through major projects such as:

• King Salman International Airport
• New Murabba development
• Qiddiya entertainment city

These developments are expected to significantly increase visitor volumes and accommodation demand.

Major Global Events

The city’s role as host of Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to further boost tourism inflows, accelerating the need for diverse hotel offerings across segments.

Business and Financial Growth

Riyadh’s expansion as a regional business hub, supported by developments like the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), is driving demand for well-located, mid-scale and lifestyle hotels.

About Rafal Real Estate Development

Rafal is a Saudi-based real estate developer with a strong portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The company focuses on quality-led developments that align with the Kingdom’s long-term urban and economic vision.

The Rafal–Rove partnership represents a strategic step in expanding lifestyle hospitality options in Riyadh. With multiple properties planned, the collaboration is set to contribute to the city’s growing hotel inventory and cater to evolving traveller preferences.