
Radisson Blu debuts in northern Riyadh's thriving Sahafa District
Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa, further strengthening its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the lively Sahafa District, the new hotel blends modern luxury with Saudi hospitality and marks another step forward in the Group's strategic expansion, with over 50 hotels now in operation and under development across the Kingdom. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa is a striking architectural landmark, offering 171 stylishly appointed rooms and suites with extensive views of the King Abdullah Financial District and northern Riyadh skyline. Just 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, the hotel enjoys proximity to key leisure and business attractions, including Riyadh Boulevard, King Salman Social Center Park, and Vox Cinema Riyadh Park. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences. Al Diwan Restaurant offers international cuisine and themed nights, while The Terrace Restaurant and Lounge, will feature Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant open-air setting. Al Multaqa Café welcomes guests to unwind with freshly brewed coffee and handmade pastries in a relaxed lobby atmosphere.
Hazem Ibrahim, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa, commented 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to a destination that truly captures the spirit of modern Riyadh. From our carefully designed rooms to our world-class culinary and meeting experiences, every detail has been created to exceed expectations. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa blends the city's vibrant energy with the comfort and excellence that define the Radisson Blu experience.'
With a dedicated Kids' Club catering to children aged 4 to 10, and a fully equipped fitness center, the hotel ensures a well-rounded stay for all guests. The Sidra Grand Ballroom spans 560 square meters for business travelers and event planners and can host up to 400 guests. Five flexible meeting rooms with natural daylight, high-spec audiovisual equipment, and expert planning services make the hotel ideal for conferences, celebrations, and corporate events.
Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and custom-built layouts, the hotel's design is a modern homage to Riyadh's evolution, offering guests a serene yet energizing environment. Its setting in the green, tree-lined Sahafa District brings calm and connection to nature, while still surrounded by the buzz of urban life. With its central location and community-driven dining outlets, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa is a connection hub for locals and travelers alike. Whether gathering for a business meeting or enjoying a sunset dinner with city views, the hotel offers thoughtful spaces for every occasion. The hotel's location invites guests to explore the capital's new cultural, business, and retail attractions. Whether shopping at Al Nakheel Mall, relaxing in King Salman Park, or discovering the nearby King Abdullah Financial District, guests are well placed to enjoy the city's dynamic mix of tradition and progress.
Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, said: 'The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa is a proud moment as we continue our growth across Saudi Arabia. This property brings together the elevated standards of the Radisson Blu brand with the warmth of Saudi hospitality, offering travelers a vibrant, connected, and memorable experience.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


FACT
4 hours ago
- FACT
Riyadh Air launches a flight route - and its to London
Riyadh Air is gearing up for a spectacular start. There has been a noticeable increase in travel between the Middle East and the United Kingdom. And, with the surge in demand comes the need for more seats in the sky. That's where Saudi Arabia's upcoming airline, Riyadh Air, steps in with plans for flights between Riyadh and London. The official announcement is still under wraps. Flights between Riyadh and London have been reported to launch on 26 October, 2025. According to Airport Coordination Limited, which manages the highly sought-after slots at London Heathrow, Riyadh Air has secured take-off and landing rights. This is a significant milestone for the Saudi carrier. The airline intends to operate daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 288 seats. There is also speculation that an ex-Oman Air Dreamliner may be used temporarily. Although, the airline is reportedly keen to debut its own purple-branded aircraft. Riyadh–Heathrow is clearly a strategic commercial choice. Riyadh Air is positioning itself as the world's first digital-native airline. The airline promises a sleek and intelligent passenger experience from the moment you step on board. The designers have thoughtfully incorporated both luxury and traditional Saudi elements into each cabin. Expect indigo, sky blue, and peach tones inspired by Riyadh's skyline and desert landscape. The airline will offer four distinct cabins. Choose from Business Elite, featuring four ultra-exclusive seats in the front row. Plus, there are 24 Business Class seats; 39 Premium Economy seats; and 223 Economy seats. Check in with FACT for the best things to do. GO: Visit for more information.


Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Saudi economy resilient amid global shocks, says IMF
4 Aug 2025 18:29 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI) Saudi Arabia's economy has demonstrated strong resilience to external shocks, with the non-oil sector expanding, inflation remaining contained, and unemployment reaching record lows, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) 2025 Article IV IMF reported that non-oil real GDP grew by 4.5% in 2024, driven by retail, hospitality, and construction sectors. In contrast, oil GDP fell by 4.4% due to continued OPEC+ production cuts, resulting in a moderated overall growth rate of 2.0%. Despite this, inflation stayed low, averaging 1.7%, while the unemployment rate among Saudi nationals dropped to an all-time low, with youth and female unemployment halving over the past four current account shifted from a surplus of 2.9% of GDP in 2023 to a deficit of 0.5% in 2024, as increased investment-related imports and remittance outflows weighed on external balances. Nonetheless, the Saudi Central Bank's net foreign assets stabilised at $415 billion, covering 187% of the IMF's reserve adequacy IMF projects non-oil growth to remain above 3.5% over the medium term, supported by Vision 2030 projects and government-led initiatives. Real GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to 3.6% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026, as OPEC+ production cuts are gradually phased out. Inflation is expected to stay contained, with CPI averaging 2.1% in emerging twin deficits—fiscal and current account—the IMF said fiscal and external buffers remain ample. The fiscal deficit is projected to widen to 4.0% of GDP in 2025, with public debt rising to 29.8% of the outlook remains strong, the IMF warned of downside risks from weaker oil demand, lower government spending, and regional security tensions. On the upside, growth could benefit from higher oil production or additional Vision 2030-linked investments. Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies.


The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Saudi Arabia shows strong resilience amid global economic shocks, IMF says
Saudi Arabia's economy has shown "strong resilience", defying global economic shocks amid the growth of its non-oil economy, tamed inflation and record-low unemployment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said. The Arab world's biggest economy is expected to keep its non-oil growth above 3.5 per cent over the medium term, which mirrors the positive impacts led by its Vision 2030 economic programme, the Washington-based lender said in its annual assessment of the kingdom on Monday. The IMF last week projected Saudi Arabia's economy to expand at a 3.6 per cent pace in 2025 and 3.9 per cent in 2026, supported by the continued phase-out of Opec+ production cuts. In 2024, non-oil real gross domestic product grew by 4.5 per cent, driven by retail, hospitality, and construction, according to the agency. The country, the world's top-oil exporting nation, has enjoyed robust domestic demand spurred by government-led projects and the hosting of major international events, the agency said. Consumer prices are expected to remain contained, while its current account deficit is seen to persist over the medium term, it added. Saudi Arabia's banking sector remained resilient, with lenders' balance sheets staying robust underpinned by high capitalisation, profitability and non-performing loans at their lowest levels in nearly a decade, the IMF said. Unemployment among Saudi nationals also hit a record low, as the jobless rate among youth and women halved over four years, the lender added. Directors of the IMF's executive board said Saudi Arabia's strong economic performance merits a "favourable" outlook, "helped by appropriate macroeconomic policies, strong buffers and impressive reform momentum". The directors agreed that a gradual fiscal consolidation is needed to achieve intergenerational equity, which could be achieved "through broader tax policy reforms to increase non-oil revenue, wage bill containment, energy subsidy reform alongside better targeting social safety nets and streamlining of non-essential expenditures". Saudi Arabia is focusing on diversifying its economy away from oil with an emphasis on the development of sectors such as technology, property, tourism and infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. The kingdom is supporting the development of several industries spanning different sectors to generate employment and help its non-oil economy to grow.