Richard Johnson – General Manager of the newly rebranded Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh – on the whys, wherefores, and extraordinary vision behind the project.
Already a landmark in the bustling heart of the city, the newly rebranded Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh is a beacon of luxury and a symbol of a new era in Saudi hospitality. At the helm is Richard Johnson, a man whose 18-year tenure with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is at a climax in the transformation of this iconic property.
Johnson’s journey has been as diverse as it has been illustrious, taking him from the corporate corridors of Washington, DC, to the Malaysian tropical metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, then into the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East. Before Riyadh, Johnson’s expertise played a pivotal role in elevating Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – another jewel in the hotel group’s illustrious portfolio.
The Al Faisaliah has long enjoyed a sterling reputation, but under Johnson’s guidance, it has been imbued with a new identity. “It’s still Al Faisaliah, but Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh now,” he clarifies, the new name rolling off his tongue with a reverence for its heritage and a nod to its future.
Indeed, after three years of meticulous refurbishment, the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh now stands as a proud blend of local legacy and global luxury. “It already has an incredible reputation globally,” Johnson states. Keeping the name Al Faisaliah was a deliberate choice, merging the property’s established prestige with the fresh vision of Mandarin Oriental.
When asked about the essence of the property, Johnson’s pride is evident. “Our chairman, Prince Bandar, had a vision,” he shares. The collaboration with the renowned Adam Tihany, a New York-based architect and designer, was pivotal. “All of our rooms here, Adam Tihany designed… We have the best product in the kingdom,” Johnson declares, referencing the 179 suites and 146 rooms that comprise the hotel’s lavish accommodation options.
As for the cost of the refurbishment, Johnson playfully deflects, suggesting it’s a figure “somewhere over the rainbow.” But what is unmistakable is the value that this refurbishment has added, not just in terms of physical aesthetics but in the depth of service and cultural integration that has been achieved.
The Mandarin Lounge, designed by Tihany, is, as Johnson describes it, “the extended living room of Riyadh.” A place where the warmth of Arabian hospitality meets the impeccable service of Mandarin Oriental (and as the senior officers of SAFE “squatted” in this place for a number of days for a number of meetings during our stay at the property, we can attest to that fact).
When asked about his management style, Johnson asserts that his approach is as personal as it is professional. “I walk the talk,” he says, adding, “I hold my colleagues to the same standards that I set for myself, as I wouldn’t expect anything from them that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. I am actively involved and it’s important that this engagement is shared with our guests as a natural extension of our interaction. I strive to be as involved in the operations as possible, to collaborate closely with the sales team, and to be present in our business environment as much as I can.”
“We started something that was unique in the Kingdom…”
According to Johnson , the transformation of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. Riyadh is not just that of a hotel, but echoes that of an entire industry within Saudi Arabia. “The talent available in the kingdom is of a very high level; very well-educated, articulate individuals,” he says, countering the notion that the hospitality sector lacks appeal for the nation’s youth.
“We started something that was unique in the Kingdom,” Johnson says, detailing an ambitious programme that saw the hotel’s HR department interview over 40 Saudi nationals, selecting 14 of the “best of the best” for a comprehensive one-year training programme, some even honing their skills abroad in London and Singapore. “All 14 of those Saudi colleagues have become leaders in our hotel today,” states Johnson, underlining the successful fusion of local insights with the brand’s global standards.
Countering global hearsay that talent is hard to find in the region with young people pooh-poohing tourism and hospitality, Johnson confirms that those once drawn to the allure of other economic sectors in the Kingdom are now being courted by hospitality. This, he says, is thanks in no small part to the Ministry of Tourism. “They are not only engaged, but they are financing,” Johnson reveals. The Ministry’s support extends to education, paying for Saudi hotel staff to train in Europe. “That gives them encouragement to get into the hospitality industry,” Johnson notes, highlighting the allure of a career with international brands like Mandarin Oriental.
He also personally devotes a large amount of time to training: “It’s crucial that the colleagues see me in action, rather than just hearing from me. In our workplace, which has a predominantly young and Saudi colleagues, it’s important to provide not just opportunities for development but also to serve as role models for how to conduct oneself in Western business contexts.”
Johnson’s own journey to Saudi Arabia came at a time of global upheaval—during the Covid pandemic. His transition to life in the Kingdom, he reflects, was surprisingly smooth. “It has exceeded my expectations,” he admits. The pandemic did little to quell the dynamic spirit of the country. “You would have never thought Covid was happening,” he says, pointing to the controlled environment and the booming local spend in luxury brands.
For Johnson, the move to Saudi Arabia was eased by the strong familial ties inherent in the local culture; a stark contrast to his experience in other expatriate hubs. This sense of community resonates deeply: “My wife has built relationships here that she hasn’t had through my many travels around the world with my family,” he shares.
Vision 2030 looms large in Johnson’s vision. “It will be marvelled by the globe,” he predicts, speaking of the ambitious developmental blueprint laid out by Saudi Arabia. With significant strides already made, Johnson believes that the realisation of Vision 2030 could come “quicker than people can imagine.”
Riyadh itself is undergoing a metamorphosis. Johnson remarks, “Perception is enlivened in this city. Once you touch down here, you see the city for what it really is—moving quickly, dynamic.”
He paints a picture of a burgeoning culinary scene, with internationally renowned restaurants like Mamo, LPM, and Meraki becoming part of the city’s fabric, and culinary excellence being another jewel in Riyadh’s crown. “The gastronomy here in Saudi Arabia is amazing,” Johnson enthuses. The Kingdom is not just about local cuisine, it’s about global gastronomy. “Everywhere you go, the food is amazing,” he says, comparing it favourably to the UAE.
Looking to the future, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has grand plans. “There are great opportunities for us,” Johnson says, hinting at expansion beyond Riyadh, with potential beachfront properties. “We’ll be here, there, and everywhere,” he suggests, a statement that mirrors the Kingdom’s own trajectory towards a diverse and prosperous future.
In Richard Johnson’s eyes, Saudi Arabia is a land of untapped potential, on the brink of a hospitality renaissance that promises to draw the world’s attention. With a deep-seated belief in the Kingdom’s vision and the capabilities of its people, Johnson stands at the forefront, ready to welcome the world to the new chapter of the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh and indeed, to Saudi Arabia itself. “Literally, it happens here,” he says with a wry smile, encapsulating the essence of a country on the precipice of dramatic transformation.
As the city skyline twinkles with promise, the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh – much like the country it resides in – is poised to unfurl its splendour to a world eagerly watching. With unwavering conviction and a commitment to excellence, Richard Johnson and his team are not just partaking in Saudi Arabia’s journey to prominence; they are shaping it, one guest, one experience, one unforgettable stay at a time.
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Photo – top of page – SAFE
