Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone as the first five-star hotel in Saudi Arabia’s Northern region. The grand inauguration was led by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan Bin AbdulAziz, Governor of the Northern Borders Region, in the presence of His Excellency Minister of Industry and Minerals Bander Al Khorayef, His Excellency Vice-Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khaled Al Modaifir, and Moustafa Manoon, Vice President of Operations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Accor, among other distinguished guests.
The Northern Region of Saudi Arabia stands out for its vast Nafud Desert and rugged plateaus, offering a unique and authentic Arabian experience. Although less densely populated and developed, this region is rich in cultural and natural treasures.
Wa’ad Al Shamal, primarily known as an industrial and mining hub in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders Region, is gradually emerging as a destination with untapped tourism potential. Surrounded by vast desert landscapes, the area offers a unique glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and Bedouin heritage. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain, ideal for desert adventures such as dune bashing, camping, and stargazing in the pristine night skies.
While Wa’ad Al Shamal itself is still developing as a tourism hotspot, it serves as a gateway to key attractions in the region. Nearby destinations such as AlUla, home to the UNESCO-listed Hegra (Mada’in Salih), and the ancient rock carvings of Jubbah provide rich historical and cultural experiences. Additionally, Sakaka, the capital of Al Jouf Province, is within reach, offering historical sites like Za’bal Castle and Rajajil—Saudi Arabia’s “Stonehenge.”
To mark the occasion of the opening, His Royal Highness led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, underscoring the hotel’s contribution to the region’s growing tourism sector and alignment with Vision 2030. Owners Abdullah Al Jaber and Abdulrahman Al Jaber presented a specially crafted key to Naseer Thodi, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal, as a symbolic gift celebrating the hotel’s debut.
Guests were welcomed with a vibrant cultural experience, featuring the traditional Arda dance, a powerful symbol of Saudi heritage and unity. The celebrations continued with a lavish dinner, where guests indulged in a curated menu blending authentic Saudi flavours with Mövenpick’s signature international cuisine, reflecting the brand’s fusion of local traditions and world-class service.
During the event, General Manager Naseer Thodi expressed his enthusiasm: “We are honoured to have His Royal Highness and His Excellency join us for this milestone occasion. As the first five-star hotel in Northern Saudi Arabia, Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal sets a new benchmark for excellence and hospitality. We look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for both local and international guests, setting new standards for comfort and service in the Northern region.”
Moustafa Manoon, Vice President of Operations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Accor, added: “Mövenpick Hotel Wa’ad Al Shamal is a reflection of our vision to bring exceptional hospitality to every corner of the Kingdom. The hotel offers a unique experience for guests seeking both modern comfort and the warmth of authentic Saudi hospitality. We look forward to seeing it thrive as a key destination in the Northern region.”
A landmark of hospitality and business in Northern Saudi Arabia
Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal features 245 rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites designed with an exceptional blend of comfort and modern aesthetics. The hotel is well-equipped to host business travellers, offering 18 state-of-the-art meeting rooms and expansive banqueting facilities, making it an ideal destination for conferences, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations.
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, the hotel provides dedicated male and female spa areas with indoor swimming pools, separate fitness centres, steam rooms, saunas, and rejuvenating massage services. Whether for business or leisure, Mövenpick Wa’ad Al Shamal delivers a seamless experience, offering comfort, convenience, and authentic Saudi hospitality in one of the Kingdom’s most promising emerging destinations.
Mövenpick offers a commitment to Saudi talent and sustainability
With over 55% of the workforce comprising Saudi nationals, the hotel aligns with the national goal of empowering the local workforce and fostering economic growth in the region. Furthermore, Mövenpick’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its operational practices, aligning with Accor’s global initiatives for responsible hospitality.
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