Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa
The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, and Gilles Cretallaz.
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Updated 11 August 2025
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Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Thai hospitality company Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al-Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al-Ahsa — a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by notable dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, chief business officer of the Tourism Development Fund; Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, chairman of Al-Ghadeer Group of Companies; and Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer of Dusit International.

Located just 30 minutes by car from Al-Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation.

Designed by Cairo-based El-Ghoneimi Architects, the resort’s masterplan draws inspiration from the desert’s timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree.

Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness center with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500-square-meter ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travelers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids’ pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment.

Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures such as Al-Qarah Mountain, Juatha Park, and the historic Qaisariah Souq, the resort is ideally positioned to serve as a gateway for domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful experiences and immersive stays amid the largest oasis in the world.

“This important signing reflects our strategic commitment to bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to key destinations worldwide and our dedication to delivering sustainable value for the communities we serve,” said Cretallaz. “We are delighted to partner with Al-Ghadeer Group to create a destination that celebrates Al-Ahsa’s rich heritage and natural beauty while offering exceptional comfort, modern luxury, responsible design, and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.”

Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa underscores Dusit International’s continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region. 

It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al-Majma’ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year.


Tawuniya sponsors Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh

Tawuniya sponsors Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh
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Tawuniya sponsors Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh

Tawuniya sponsors Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh

Tawuniya, the largest insurance company in the Middle East and North Africa region, is participating as a strategic sponsor in the first edition of the Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition, from Nov. 10 to 12 in Riyadh. Organized by Saudi Arabia’s Insurance Authority, the event is being held under the patronage of Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, minister of finance and chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee.

This participation comes at a pivotal stage in Tawuniya’s journey, as the company continues to roll out strategic initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and aimed at strengthening its leadership in the local and regional insurance sector. The Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition offers a unique platform to showcase its achievements and pioneering projects to a select group of industry leaders and decision-makers, as well as to exchange insights and experiences on the future of the insurance industry in the Kingdom and the region.

Dr. Othman Alkassabi, CEO at Tawuniya Insurance Company, said: “Our participation in this global event represents an extension of the company’s pioneering role in developing the insurance sector, and embodies our commitment to innovation, integration, and sustainability. We are proud to be part of this historic event organized by the Insurance Authority, and we see it as a strategic platform to showcase our future vision and exchange experiences with industry partners around the world.”

“Through its participation in this important event, Tawuniya seeks to enhance its international presence and engage with regulatory bodies, insurance and reinsurance companies, investors, and technology leaders, with the aim of transforming visions into practical initiatives that foster innovation and support the sustainable growth of the insurance sector,” he added.

The Ingate Global Insurance Conference and Exhibition has become a key platform for advancing the insurance sector’s efficiency, competitiveness, and public confidence. It also contributes to aligning the sector with national priorities, including economic diversification, digital transformation, developing national competencies, and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Tawuniya’s participation this year reflects its focus on sustainable growth and sector leadership, as the company continues to modernize its services in line with Vision 2030. The conference provides an opportunity to spotlight its latest initiatives, from innovation-led product development to the expansion of savings insurance programs, designed to deepen insurance penetration and drive value across the Kingdom.

The conference agenda aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 and Tawuniya’s strategic directions, covering digital transformation and innovation, governance and regulation, regulatory technologies, customer attraction, investment opportunities, talent development and sustainable insurance.

Tawuniya’s 2025 strategy aims to reshape the insurance experience in the Kingdom through innovative services that align with Saudi values and culture and enhance customer trust and loyalty. The company is also developing digital solutions and interactive experiences tailored to various segments of society, while considering the cultural diversity across the Kingdom’s regions.

Tawuniya continues to enhance its digital infrastructure, relying on real-time data analytics to deliver personalized and effective customer engagement, ensuring a seamless experience that reflects customer aspirations and increases customer satisfaction.

As part of its expansion and growth strategies, Tawuniya is designing innovative insurance products targeting digital segments and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are among the most important drivers of the national economy. This is achieved through specialized teams and in collaboration with sales and marketing departments to ensure that solutions are aligned with customers’ needs.

At the same time, the company is building a more integrated service ecosystem through partnerships with modern technology providers. In line with its sustainability ambitions, Tawuniya is embedding responsible business practices across its operations to maximize social and environmental value.