High-end fashion house Armani has chosen to open its third global hotel location in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

In line with Armani’s existing hotels in Dubai and Milan, Armani Hotel Diriyah will feature a luxury Armani/SPA and be managed by Dubai’s Emaar Hospitality Group.

Overlooking Diriyah's luxury hospitality and retail quarter, the hotel will include 70 rooms, two restaurants and a swimming pool. Also on offer will be 18 exclusive Armani branded residences – designed and furnished by Armani – with spacious interiors and outdoor pools, landscaped terraces and rooftops.

Armani Hotels & Resorts is working with Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) to realise the property.

"This is a pioneering project that was born from rediscovering Saudi Arabia's roots: a dialogue between history and the present that I find very fascinating,” said Giorgio Armani.

“Armani Hotel Diriyah will allow me to interpret my idea of lifestyle and hospitality in a particularly subtle and embracing way.

“After celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Armani Hotels in Milan and Dubai, I’m ready to take on this exciting new challenge. I’m inspired by this initiative and delighted to be part of a project of such wide geographical and cultural scope."

Armani and his in-house interior design team will work with architects to create a design characterised by essential lines that enhance the precious materials utilised, and a subtle interplay of volumes, light and shadow.

Armani says the hotel will highlight the natural and historical importance of its location as well as offer luxurious accommodation and amenities designed with its founder's signature timeless style.

Preserving culture and history

Diriyah is a 300-year-old site located just 15 minutes from Riyadh and is adjacent to the historically significant UNESCO world heritage site Al - Turaif – the first capital of the Saudi Kingdom when it was founded in 1744.

The new Armani hotel will be located within the Diriyah development, a mixed-use project that, upon completion, will comprise 13 unique districts inclusive of museums, cultural institutions, fine dining, residences, hospitality offerings, offices, retail and outdoor attractions.

Established hotel operators – many with their own signature in-house spa brands – are also on board to operate locations within the development.

These include Six Senses, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Raffles, Capella, Hyatt, Oberoi, Address and Campbell Gray Hotels – all are set to open their properties in 2024.

The mixed-use development is being designed to honour the heritage of the area with traditional Najdi architectural design principles, including low-rise, compact and organic architecture, rooftop terraces, decorated doors and large courtyards.

The Diriyah development project is a key driver of the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030.