Rafal Real Estate Development partners with Rove Hotels to bring lifestyle hospitality to Riyadh

Rafal Real Estate Development Company has announced a strategic partnership with Rove Hotels to develop a series of lifestyle hotels across Riyadh, marking the UAE-born brand’s entry into the Saudi market.

The first hotel will be located on Olaya Street, one of the city’s key commercial and leisure destinations.

Rove Hotels, a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, is recognised as one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in the Middle East, with more than 8,000 keys open or under development. Known for its contemporary design, smart technology integration, and sustainability focus, the brand caters to the next generation of travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and community.

The collaboration aims to deliver multiple Rove-branded hotels in prime, high-growth areas of Riyadh to serve both business and leisure demand.

“We are delighted to introduce one of the region’s smartest hotel concepts to Riyadh,” said Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company. “Our confidence stems from Rove Hotels’ proven ability to tailor experiences for regional guests, as well as the strong connectivity between Riyadh and Dubai that supports sustained tourism and business growth.”

Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer of Rove Hotels, added: “We are very excited to partner with Rafal to enter the Riyadh market. Their expertise and local insight make them an ideal collaborator to bring Rove’s blend of style, value, and functionality to Saudi Arabia’s evolving hospitality sector.”

The partnership coincides with Riyadh’s transformation into a global metropolis under Saudi Vision 2030, driven by major infrastructure and tourism projects such as King Salman International Airport, New Murabba Downtown, and Qiddiya City.

The upcoming Expo 2030 Riyadh, expected to attract over 40 million visitors, and the city’s growth as an economic hub are also boosting demand for mid-market and lifestyle accommodation.

With this partnership, Rafal and Rove aim to meet the needs of Saudi Arabia’s expanding hospitality market while contributing to the Kingdom’s goal of diversifying its economy through tourism and real estate innovation.