Four Seasons aims to open in three different Saudi locations – Red Sea, AMAALA and Madinah - this year
Four Seasons will transform its Middle East hotel distribution with several key openings in Saudi Arabia: Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay and Four Seasons Hotel Madinah all scheduled to open this year. Some time next year, the brand will open Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche. Future openings of the brand outside of Saudi Arabia include two in the UAE: Four Seasons Resort Ajman at Al Zorah and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina.
TTN speaks to Adrian Messerli, President of Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons, about his outlook for the year ahead. “As a company, we remain fundamentally optimistic about the future of travel and hospitality — particularly in our region. While it’s true that we’re navigating a complex global landscape shaped by geopolitical dynamics and evolving economic conditions, what we consistently see is that the desire for meaningful, high-quality travel experiences remains incredibly consistent. “At Four Seasons, our focus is on creating places of sanctuary, connection and inspiration — and I believe those values will be more relevant than ever in the year ahead. We anticipate continued demand for destinations that offer wellness, cultural richness and privacy, especially in the Middle East, where we’re seeing remarkable growth in infrastructure, air connectivity and lifestyle tourism. “Luxury travellers today are not just looking for a beautiful place to stay — they’re seeking purpose-driven journeys. That’s why developments like Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay, rooted in sustainability and wellbeing, are so timely. And as markets such as Saudi Arabia continue opening to global tourism, we see real momentum — not only for leisure travel but also for business events, spiritual tourism and long-stay residential offerings. “We’re also mindful that flexibility, personalisation and trust will remain key pillars for guests in a shifting world. Our strategy continues to prioritise intuitive service, seamless digital touchpoints and the kind of deep local immersion that brings a destination to life.” Country-wise insights The Middle East continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace, offering incredible momentum for luxury hospitality. Messerli provides a country-wise breakdown in trends an insights: “In Qatar, our two properties, Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar are a striking example of how we're responding to the market's evolving lifestyle preferences.” There’s strong demand for long-stay residences and branded experiences that bring together gastronomy, fashion, and wellness — always with signature Four Seasons sophistication, he adds. In Kuwait, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya has established itself as a leader in luxury hospitality, offering an urban retreat where design, service and culinary innovation come together. From its spacious suites ideal for families to its signature dining concepts like Sintoho and Dai Forni, the hotel appeals to both residents and international visitors. “The market is compact but highly discerning, so the key lies in offering culturally relevant, high-touch service,” says Messerli. “The UAE remains a global benchmark for luxury, and our properties across Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to reflect this.” Whether it’s a rejuvenating escape at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, a breakfast in the heart of DIFC, or the growing popularity of family suites at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons teams are constantly evolving the offering to meet the needs of a highly international, fast-moving clientele. “In Bahrain, we’ve seen increasing interest in wellness-led experiences.” Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has embraced this shift with a holistic approach to wellbeing — from Ayurvedic-inspired treatments and yoga therapies to outdoor spa experiences. Human touch “At Four Seasons, we approach each market with a long-term view — one rooted in deep cultural understanding, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our guests and local communities,” he says. While the brand has a focus on digital innovation and driving direct business, “At Four Seasons we aren’t interested in technology for technology’s sake, but rather finding ways to use technology to enhance the guest experience”, Messerli explains. “We’ve developed custom digital solutions to meet guests’ needs and across all of our digital innovations we make sure that the technology always has a distinctly human touch. We are the only chat offering available in over 100 languages that is not a chatbot – it is real Four Seasons people at the property where the guest is staying, responding in record time. “It’s this human connection that is also why we continue to recognise the importance of our travel industry partners. We know the critical role that our partners play in supporting our properties and extended lines of business in the region and around the world. While our Worldwide Sales Organization is the primary point of contact for our brand in the region, every property also has dedicated sales teams with detailed property resources to support travel agent enquiries and ensure the most seamless experience for both guests and our partners.” Saudi growth Some assets will come online sooner than the others for booking. One of the brand’s newest market entries is the 149-key Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island due to open later this year. Set along a pristine stretch of coastline, this resort is an invitation to discover one of the world’s most untouched marine ecosystems. With sea-facing accommodations, alongside six exceptional restaurants, a marine discovery centre and curated family experiences, it’s a destination designed for both serenity and exploration, Messerli says. The upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay expects to set a new benchmark for wellness-led hospitality, grounded in regenerative tourism. From the organic garden and holistic spa to guided mountain biking and horseback riding through untouched terrain, it supports physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Four Seasons Hotel Madinah is also on the cards for this year, with Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche scheduled to open in 2026, offering views of the Red Sea and Jeddah’s classic architecture, reflecting the city’s 2,000 years of history.