Shaza Hotels Announces Key Expansion with Four New Saudi Projects
Shaza Hotels has recently entered into agreements to develop four new hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia, marking a bold step in the company’s regional growth strategy. These new ventures include the Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, Mysk Residences in Riyadh, and two Mysk Al Haramain Hotels in Makkah, all unveiled during the TOURISE 2025 summit held in Riyadh in November 2025 under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to diversify its tourism sector and boost visitor experiences. The total value of these projects, along with other international developments, totals an impressive USD 950 million in major destinations worldwide such as the Maldives, Turkey, and the USA, indicating Shaza Hotels’ growing global footprint.
Strategic Partnerships Supporting Growth
The success of these projects is tied closely to partnerships with notable investment groups such as Al Rajhi Investments in Saudi Arabia, Adante Realty LLC Oman, and FSM Hospitality Company in Saudi Arabia. These alliances emphasize Shaza Hotels’ collaborative approach to creating world-class hospitality experiences.
Project Details and Target Markets
Each new development is designed with a specific guest segment in mind — catering to business travelers, leisure guests, long-stay residents, and pilgrims. Below is an overview of each project:
| Project Name | Location | Wesentliche Merkmale | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mysk Residences Riyadh | King Salman Road, Riyadh | 58 boutique aparthotel units offering one- to three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, gym, swimming pool, 24-hour café, and in-room dining | Business and leisure travelers, short- and long-stay guests |
| Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort | Al Jubailah, Riyadh | Equestrian-themed resort with 100 horse stables, professional arenas, walking and riding tracks, bungalows, spa, gyms, paddle courts, soccer fields, and water park | Leisure tourists, families, wellness and sports enthusiasts |
| Mysk Al Haramain Hotels 3 & 4 | Makkah | Upscale hotels with 264 and 182 keys respectively, located 10 minutes from the Holy Masjid al Haram, featuring cafés, all-day dining, dedicated prayer rooms, and shuttle service to the mosque | Pilgrims seeking comfort during Umrah and Hajj |
Historical Context of Tourism Development in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has historically been a pivotal religious and cultural destination, known predominantly for its role in Islamic pilgrimage tourism to Makkah and Madinah. Over recent decades, the country has increasingly invested in broadening its tourism base, aiming to attract diverse visitor segments beyond spiritual tourism.
This strategic pivot is part of a larger effort to diversify the economy and alleviate dependence on oil revenues. The establishment of high-end resorts, residential aparthotels, and lifestyle destinations, such as the equestrian-themed resort, reflects an evolving hospitality sector that blends luxury, culture, and active leisure opportunities.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision 2030 underscores this transformation, promoting both historical and contemporary attractions. Efforts include developing infrastructure around new cultural centers, entertainment venues, and natural sites, as well as expanding international tourist access through visa reforms and transport upgrades.
The Emerging Role of Lifestyle and Leisure Tourism
The creation of specialized resorts like the Riyadh Stables Resort marks a shift towards activity-based tourism, incorporating health, wellness, and outdoor pursuits. This reflects global trends where travelers seek authentic experiences that combine nature, sports, and cultural engagement—elements that can align well with boating and sailing activities when coupled with coastal or lakeside locations.
Looking Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Potential
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve its tourism offerings, the impacts will ripple through various sectors including hospitality, transport, and recreation. The growth of upscale properties and diversified accommodation types suggests increasing demand for quality services catering to international and local tourists alike.
Although Saudi Arabia is primarily centered on religious tourism, developments like these help target broader segments such as business travelers and leisure tourists. This diversification improves the resilience of the tourism market and opens pathways for new leisure activities, including the potential integration of yachting and water sport experiences along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast and inland water bodies.
Potential Effects on Sailing and Boat Rentals
While the current projects are inland or city-based, Saudi Arabia’s vision includes nurturing coastal resorts that could benefit from enhanced maritime tourism. The Red Sea’s pristine waters and growing marina infrastructure present opportunities for sailing and superyacht charters, integrating sea-based adventures into the leisure offerings.
As tourism infrastructure develops, visitors may increasingly seek combined experiences that mix urban luxury and cultural discovery with ocean and lake activities, making boat rentals and water sports a natural complement to stays at upscale hospitality venues.
Summary
The signing of four new projects by Shaza Hotels signals a robust commitment to Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism marketplace, emphasizing authentic and high-quality hospitality across multiple market segments. With partnerships supporting these ventures, a blend of cultural, business, leisure, and spiritual tourism is expected to flourish, reinforcing the Kingdom’s long-term strategy under Vision 2030.
These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape, which may eventually spur growth in marine and sailing tourism sectors, enriching the visitor experience with diverse boating and yachting opportunities in coastal areas.
For those interested in exploring maritime activities and yacht charters in emerging and established destinations, the international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, GetBoat.de, offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and taste, catering perfectly to adventurous travelers drawn to sun, sea, and water-based recreation.
Shaza Hotels expandiert mit vier wichtigen neuen Projekten in Saudi-Arabien">