IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality industry, has signed a strategic partnership with Saudi-based Koushan Real Estate Development Company to develop two new hotels—Kimpton and EVEN Hotels—at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City (KASC). Scheduled to open in 2028, this dual-branded project marks a significant step in IHG’s expansion within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality sector and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance tourism and infrastructure.
Project Overview and Location
The hotels will be located within the master plan of King Abdullah Sports City, a prominent district in northern Jeddah surrounding the stadium set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Spanning 16,000 square meters, the development will feature a range of amenities, including a dedicated fan zone, health and fitness clubs, swimming pools, international restaurants, retail outlets, athlete-specific facilities, and conference and event halls. The strategic location offers seamless access to major infrastructure, such as the stadium, retail and leisure zones, and King Abdulaziz International Airport, ensuring a dynamic and connected experience for guests.
Hotel Brands and Features
The dual-branded development introduces two distinct IHG brands to Jeddah:
- Kimpton Jeddah KASC: With 330 rooms, this hotel will serve as a vibrant social hub, offering an immersive guest experience rooted in local culture and global lifestyle trends. Known for its bold design and heartfelt hospitality, Kimpton will feature specialty restaurants, wellness facilities including a spa and gym, and flexible spaces for events, conferences, and social gatherings.
- EVEN Hotel Jeddah KASC: This 255-room hotel will redefine wellness travel in the region. Designed for guests seeking balance and rejuvenation, it will offer in-room fitness zones, nutritious dining options, and modern recreational spaces, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Together, these hotels will serve a diverse range of guests, from international sports fans and athletes to wellness-conscious travelers and high-end business visitors, enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality offerings.
Strategic Partnerships
The Saudi Ministry of Sport has played a key role in facilitating this project, announcing partnership agreements with local and international companies, including Koushan Real Estate Development Company, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Zuhair Fayez Partnership, which will provide design and engineering consultancy services. The signing ceremonies were attended by Badr Al Juraissi, Acting Director General of Investment at the Ministry of Sport; Marwan Al Qaydy, CEO of Koushan; Zuhair Fayez, Chairperson of Zuhair Fayez Partnership; and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for India, the Middle East, & Africa.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
This development aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and establish it as a global hub for tourism and sports. By introducing world-class hospitality brands to King Abdullah Sports City, IHG and Koushan are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s preparations for major international events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The project enhances the Kingdom’s capacity to host visitors and supports the growth of its sports and tourism infrastructure.
Statements from Leadership
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for India, Middle East & Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to partner with Koushan once again to bring Kimpton and EVEN Hotels to a location as iconic and strategically important as King Abdullah Sports City. This dual signing expands our luxury and lifestyle footprint in the Kingdom and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to create world-class destinations ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Our Kimpton brand leads with individually designed boutique hotels and restaurants that focus on self-expression, world-class design, and genuinely warm service. With EVEN Hotels, we’re reimagining wellness hospitality by seamlessly integrating it into travelers’ lifestyles.”
Marwan Al Qaydy, CEO of Koushan Real Estate Development Company, added, “This is a proud moment for us, as it allows us to elevate the hospitality offering within King Abdullah Sports City by introducing globally recognized brands that reflect the energy, spirit, and ambition of the area. Our partnership with IHG ensures guests will enjoy a world-class stay rooted in quality, innovation, and experience-led living.”
IHG’s Growing Presence
Upon opening, Kimpton and EVEN Hotels will join IHG’s global portfolio of over 6,600 hotels and a development pipeline of more than 2,200 properties, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading operator in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The introduction of EVEN Hotels marks its debut in the Middle East, redefining wellness travel through in-depth market research tailored to modern travelers’ lifestyles. The brand offers a fulfilling and inclusive experience, with in-room wellness zones, healthy dining options, and vibrant social spaces.
Kimpton, known globally for its distinctive design and immersive lifestyle experiences, has a strong presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its Jeddah property will continue this tradition, offering bold design and elevated food and beverage experiences.
The development of Kimpton and EVEN Hotels at King Abdullah Sports City represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism growth. By combining IHG’s global expertise with Koushan’s local knowledge, the project will deliver world-class accommodations that cater to diverse guest needs while supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global sports and tourism destination. As Jeddah prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, these hotels will play a key role in enhancing the city’s infrastructure and visitor experience.
