The Red Palace – one of Riyadh’s most notable architectural landmarks – is set for a major overhaul, and will be turned into a ultra-luxury hotel it has been announced.
Built in the early 1940s by King Abdulaziz Al Saud – the founding monarch of Saudi Arabia – The Red Palace marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s architectural history becoming the country’s first concrete building. It was constructed to serve as the residence and administrative centre for the King’s son, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Inspired by Vision 2023, Saudi Arabia is on a journey of unprecedented diversification of its economy, which includes the transformation of the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural sectors. The redevelopment of The Red Palace – led by the Saudi Sovereign Fund’s key hospitality unit, Boutique Group – is a key part of that.
Throughout its history, The Red Palace hosted international receptions and royal banquets, welcoming heads of state, government officials, and other prominent figures. Later, it served as the Council of Ministers’ headquarters for over three decades and housed the Court of Grievances until 2002.
With its location in the heart of old Riyadh, plan is to redevelop The Red Palace into an ultra-luxury hotel that will offer more than 26 deluxe rooms, 44 luxury suites, a royal suite and public event spaces, eight spa suites, and five high-end food and beverages outlets.
The project is just one of three similar transformational projects currently being worked on by Boutique Group. There are also plans to renovate Tuwaiq Palace, another architectural landmark in Riyadh, and also AlHamra Palace in Jeddah.