Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage site, is undergoing a transformation that seeks to balance progress with preservation. Tasked with bringing the area’s tourism and hospitality potential to life is AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund company.  Spoke exclusively to Fabien Toscano, CEO of UDC, on the sidelines of the recent Arabian Travel Market trade show in Dubai, where he shared insights into the company's strategic vision, its development priorities and its role in shaping Al-Ula. As a development company, UDC contributes to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification by creating commercial assets that serve tourism, hospitality and residential needs in a way that is measured and intentional, he continues. Growing portfolio UDC manages a portfolio of assets including the five-star Banyan Tree AlUla hotel; the strikingly mirrored Maraya building, which is a concert and events space; and the Our Habitas AlUla and Caravan AlUla resorts, which offer stays focused on sustainability and nature. In addition to owning and managing its own assets, UDC also asset-manages properties on behalf of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, including the Shaden Resort, Dar Tantora The House Hotel and the Cloud 7 Residence AlUla, which offer luxury and wellness-focused stays. “We already attract a diverse audience – some come for cultural experiences, others for leisure or adventure. Our goal is to ensure each of them finds something meaningful here,” Toscano says. Projects under way There are two flagship projects currently under way at Al-Ula, according to the CEO. The first, Numaj, is a 250- room, five-star hotel in central Al-Ula that is being developed in partnership with US-based hotel operator Marriott International. Architecturally, the hotel is designed to harmonise with Al-Ula’s landscape, blending natural textures and colours. “We’ve taken great care to reflect the local identity. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor spaces, much like the traditional structures found in the region,” says Toscano. Numaj will serve both business and leisure travellers. It will feature two pools, a spa, five food and beverage outlets and a range of business amenities. The property is designed to meet the Leed (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) gold standard for green building certification, reinforcing UDC’s commitment to sustainable development. The second major project that is under way is a 569-unit residential development that will house hospitality and operations staff. This permanent facility in central Al-Ula aims to offer a broad range of modern amenities for employees. “This is a critical piece of infrastructure,” Toscano says. “We’re not just building places for tourists. We’re building a community that works and thrives together.”  Sustainable growth In addition to seeking financial capital, UDC is looking for partners that can deliver operational expertise, innovative thinking or brand equity. Existing partners include French multinational hospitality company Accor, US entertainment company and venue operator Live Nation, Ireland-headquartered property management company Kerten Hospitality and Italian architecture firm Gio Forma. UDC has also signed a hotel management agreement with luxury resort, spa and hotel operator Six Senses, which plans to open a 125-key property in Al-Ula in 2027.   For registration as a supplier: https://www.rcu.gov.sa/en/business-in-alula/supplier-portal   (ICE RIYADH)

Fonte notizia: Meed