Rotana Hotels to Expand Workforce and Portfolio in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh-based Rotana Hotels is set to significantly expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, with plans to increase its workforce to 5,000 employees as it grows its portfolio to 15 outlets. Currently employing around 2,000 staff in the Kingdom, the CEO, Philip Barnes, revealed at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh that between eight and nine new hotels are in development and expected to open within the next two to three years.

Barnes emphasized the company's intention to diversify its locations beyond the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, aiming to establish a broader footprint across Saudi Arabia. He projected that each new property would require between 200 to 300 employees, leading to a total workforce of 4,000 to 5,000 once the 15th hotel is operational.

Rotana's strategic approach leverages its UAE-based roots to gain insights into the regional tourism landscape, enabling the company to explore opportunities in destinations that may be overlooked by other international firms. Barnes highlighted the company's expansion into emerging markets such as Pakistan and Eastern Europe, with recent hotel openings in Turkiye and plans for further development in Egypt and Qatar.

Looking ahead, Rotana is also eyeing the UK market, with upcoming hotel launches in London suburbs and ambitions to establish a network of properties across key cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Manchester. Barnes expressed confidence in the brand's potential for growth, citing existing successful ventures in the Middle East as a foundation for future expansion.

In conclusion, Rotana Hotels' ambitious expansion plans reflect its commitment to strategic growth and market diversification, positioning the company for continued success in the global hospitality industry.