Rotana Appoints Khaled Al Jamal to Lead Saudi Operations as Part of Wider Regional Growth Strategy

As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector undergoes rapid transformation — from large-scale Giga projects to renewed investment in cultural heritage and regional travel — Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality management company, has appointed seasoned hospitality leader Khaled Al Jamal as Area Vice President – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Jordan. The appointment reflects Rotana’s continued commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and strengthening its operations in one of its fastest-growing markets.

Strategic Leadership to Support a Growing Market

Khaled Al Jamal brings over 37 years of hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe. Most recently, he served as General Manager of JW Marriott Riyadh and Chair of Marriott’s Business Council for KSA, overseeing cross-brand collaboration and market initiatives.

In his new role, Khaled will lead Rotana’s growing Saudi operations, oversee new openings, and develop local capabilities across a portfolio set to double in size by 2027.

Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, said: “Saudi Arabia is evolving fast, and it’s important we grow in step with the market. Khaled brings a deep understanding of the Kingdom and a leadership style that reflects our values — people-focused, purpose-driven, and committed to making a lasting impact.”

Meeting Demand from Domestic and Regional Travellers

The Kingdom’s tourism strategy is not only attracting international visitors — it’s also reshaping internal travel behaviour. According to Almosafer’s 2025 Travel Trends report, domestic hotel bookings accounted for 42% of total stays in 2024, with more Saudi residents choosing to explore leisure, cultural, and heritage destinations closer to home. This, combined with expanding road and air connectivity, is fuelling demand for high-quality accommodation across major cities and emerging tourism hubs.

Rotana is responding with an adaptive development approach that balances full-service hotels, long-stay formats, and midscale lifestyle concepts. Khaled will play a central role in tailoring operations to suit these changing dynamics.

Khaled Al Jamal, Area Vice President – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Jordan, added: “This is an exciting moment for Saudi Arabia. The scale of ambition is matched by real on-the-ground shifts — more domestic travellers, more regional demand, and more destinations opening up across the country. Rotana’s strong brand presence and regional agility make it well-placed to meet this demand and be aligned with the vision2030, I look forward to driving our next phase of growth.”

A Targeted Pipeline: 21 Properties by 2027

Rotana currently operates 12 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Dammam, Al Khobar, and Jubail. Rotana is currently developing nine new properties across Saudi Arabia, spanning key destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Baha under Edge, Rayhaan, and Arjaan brands. The Riyadh pipeline includes Park View Edge, Serena Edge, Yasmina Rayhaan, Al Malaz Edge, and Al Dabab Edge. In Jeddah, Al Balad Edge is underway.

The group is expanding into Al Baha with three upcoming properties — Al Baha Arjaan, Al Baha Edge, and Al Baha Rayhaan — marking its entry into a promising secondary destination, aligned with national efforts to diversify tourism infrastructure beyond the Kingdom’s main gateways.

By 2027, Rotana aims to operate 21 hotels across the Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic hospitality sector.

Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, added: “We’ve always taken a hands-on, locally grounded approach to growth. Saudi Arabia’s tourism shift requires operators who can deliver across a wide range of locations and formats. That’s exactly what we’re building — and what Khaled will help drive forward.”