Shaza’s Equestrian Resort moves from vision to reality

Just seven months after unveiling the concept, Shaza Hotels has taken the next major step towards delivering one of Riyadh’s most distinctive hospitality developments.

During the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2026, the luxury hotel group signed the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with FSM Hospitality Company for the development of Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, confirming that the project has now progressed beyond the planning stage and into implementation.

The signing represents a significant milestone in a journey that began during TOURISE 2025 in Riyadh, where Shaza and FSM Hospitality first announced their intentions through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While the original agreement established the project’s vision, the newly signed HMA formally appoints Shaza Hotels as operator of what promises to become one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive lifestyle and equestrian resorts.

Located in Al Jubailah, northwest of Riyadh, the 63,500-square-metre development will combine luxury hospitality with Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage, reflecting the growing emphasis within Vision 2030 on creating experience-led tourism destinations rooted in local culture.

Interestingly, the project has evolved considerably since its initial unveiling.

Arabian horses are a big draw card for foreign tourists. Photo @ Arabian horse museum – At Turaif – Diriyah (R Barnes / sa-fe.org)

When first announced in November 2025, the concept envisaged a boutique development centred around 31 bungalow-style accommodation units, supported by an equestrian club, sports facilities, spa and even a water park.

The latest plans reveal a much more ambitious resort. Accommodation capacity has increased to 120 keys, comprising 30 private villas together with 90 guestrooms and suites, significantly expanding the property’s appeal to both domestic and international leisure travellers.

The equestrian component remains at the heart of the development. Plans include a dedicated Equestrian Club with 100 horse boxes, three professional riding arenas and an extensive network of horse-riding, cycling and walking trails designed to integrate visitors with the surrounding natural landscape.

The resort will also feature a signature spa, fitness centre, paddle courts, football pitches, leisure pool, clubhouse, coffee lounges and a range of indoor and outdoor dining venues.

For Shaza Hotels, the agreement represents another important step in its rapidly expanding Saudi portfolio.

Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, said: “The signing of the Hotel Management Agreement for Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy within Saudi Arabia. This exceptional project reflects our commitment to creating meaningful destinations that celebrate local culture while delivering world-class hospitality experiences. Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort is unlike any other development in the Kingdom, combining luxury, wellness, sport and equestrian heritage in a way that is both authentic and highly distinctive. We are honoured to deepen our partnership with FSM Hospitality and look forward to bringing this remarkable vision to life.”

Mohammed Al Nashwan, Owner Representative of FSM Hospitality Company, said: “Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort has been carefully conceived as a destination that honours Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian traditions while introducing a refined hospitality experience for both residents and international visitors. We are pleased to partner with Shaza Hotels, whose expertise in creating culturally inspired luxury experiences aligns perfectly with our aspirations for the project. Designed to appeal to families, wellness enthusiasts, equestrian lovers and leisure travellers, the resort is being developed as a landmark destination that will introduce a new dimension of experiential hospitality to Riyadh.”

While neither Shaza Hotels nor FSM Hospitality has yet announced a construction schedule or opening date, the transition from an MoU to a formal Hotel Management Agreement signals that the project has now entered its delivery phase.

As one of the Kingdom’s most unusual hospitality concepts, Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort illustrates the continued diversification of Saudi Arabia’s tourism offering, blending luxury accommodation with authentic cultural experiences and outdoor recreation in a way that aligns closely with the ambitions of Vision 2030.

Read also: Where and how to experience Arabian horses in Saudi Arabia