We are honored to feature an exclusive interview with Souhaiel Abdeljaouad, the General Manager of Dorat Najd Resort, an award-winning luxury destination in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Leading the resort to new heights, Souhaiel has been instrumental in shaping its success and in offering a unique balance of Arabian luxury and world-class experiences for affluent travelers.

Conducting this insightful conversation is Alexander Chetchikov, the President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. With his extensive expertise in the global luxury market and his leadership in promoting the finest luxury brands, Alexander’s perspective on the evolving luxury industry promises to bring valuable insights into both the future of hospitality and the exceptional qualities that set Dorat Najd Resort apart as a premier destination in the region.

Alexander Chetchikov: How do you define luxury in the context of today’s hospitality industry, and how does Dorat Najd Resort reflect the evolving luxury standards in Saudi Arabia?

Souhaiel Abdeljaouad: Luxury is no longer just about opulence or extravagant offerings. It now encompasses a more holistic, personalized experience that prioritizes guest satisfaction, exclusivity, and unique, memorable moments. Luxury hospitality today is increasingly defined by:

• Personalization and customization
• Exceptional service
• Innovative and Immersive Experiences
• Sustainability and wellness
• Technology and smart luxury

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, especially Dorat Najd resorts, is evolving as the country diversifies its economy and invests in tourism, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals. Dorat Najd Resort reflects these evolving standards through:

• High-end, customized experiences
• Cultural integration
• State-of-the-art facilities and architecture
• Focus on sustainability and wellness
• Exclusive access and privacy
• Integration of technology

AC: Digital transformation is a significant force in the luxury hospitality sector. How has Dorat Najd Resort integrated technology to enhance the guest experience, and what innovations do you see as shaping the future of luxury resorts in the region?

SA: Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of the luxury hospitality sector, reshaping the guest experience and setting new standards in service and convenience. As tourism and hospitality evolve in line with Vision 2030, technology plays an essential role in enhancing guest experiences at luxury resorts. From seamless service delivery to innovative guest engagement, here’s how technology is being integrated into luxury resorts and the innovations shaping the future of the region’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Dorat Najd Resort is Integrating Technology by the following:

• Personalized guest experience through data analytics
• Smart rooms and automation
• AI-Driven concierge services
• Mobile integration and contactless check-in
• High-tech wellness and spa services
• Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)

The Innovations that I see in shaping the future of luxury resorts in the region are:

• Sustainability through smart technologies
• Robotics and automation for service efficiency
• 5G Connectivity and IoT Integration
• AI-enhanced personalized travel planning
• Metaverse and virtual hospitality
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency payments
• Artificial intelligence for security and safety

Dorat Najd Resort is embracing digital transformation, as a leading destination for luxury travelers, as it continues to evolve and adapt to global trends in hospitality.

AC: Riyadh is swiftly becoming a global destination for luxury travel. How do you see the luxury hotel market evolving in Saudi Arabia, and how does Dorat Najd Resort position itself to stay at the forefront of this growth?

SA: Riyadh is indeed undergoing a remarkable transformation into a global destination for luxury travel. The luxury hotel market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant growth and evolution, driven largely by the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. This ambitious program aims to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and position Saudi Arabia as a world-class travel hub. Several factors contribute to this shift, including evolving tourism strategies, increased global attention, and a growing emphasis on experiential travel. With Riyadh at the center of these developments, the luxury hotel market is poised for unprecedented growth.

Dorat Najd Resort, a prominent luxury resort, is positioning itself strategically to capitalize on these changes and stay at the forefront of the growth in Riyadh’s luxury hotel market by embracing key trends and leveraging its unique services by offering: exclusivity, cultural immersion, wellness, and technological innovations. By integrating these trends into its offerings, Dorat Najd Resort is not only catering to the current luxury market but also anticipating the future demands of discerning, tech-savvy, and experience-driven travelers. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and appeal to international guests, resorts like Dorat Najd will play a crucial role in defining the country’s luxury hospitality landscape.

AC: In an increasingly competitive luxury market, what role does collaboration with other luxury brands or industries play in differentiating Dorat Najd Resort, and how do these partnerships enhance the overall guest experience?

SA: In today’s increasingly competitive luxury hospitality market, collaboration with other luxury brands or industries plays a pivotal role in differentiating resorts like Dorat Najd Resort. Strategic partnerships with other high-end brands across various sectors enhance the overall guest experience by offering a level of exclusivity, sophistication, and personalization that would be difficult to achieve independently. These collaborations are key to creating a unique and memorable stay that appeals to the discerning luxury traveler.

Dorat Najd Resort is able to offer a holistic and personalized luxury experience that goes beyond traditional accommodations. These collaborations help elevate the resort’s prestige, create exclusive experiences, and provide guests with memorable, high-quality services that differentiate Dorat Najd Resort from its competitors, positioning it as a leader in Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury hospitality market.

AC: What are the biggest trends you anticipate in luxury hospitality in the next five years, and how is Dorat Najd Resort preparing for these changes to ensure its continued success?

SA: The luxury hospitality sector is rapidly evolving, with trends driven by changing consumer preferences, advancements in technology, and a growing focus on sustainability and unique experiences. In the next five years, several significant trends are expected to reshape the landscape of luxury hospitality. Dorat Najd Resort, as a leading player in Saudi Arabia’s luxury market, is likely to anticipate and prepare for these shifts in order to remain at the forefront of the industry. Here are the biggest trends expected in luxury hospitality and how Dorat Najd Resort can prepare to ensure its continued success by anticipating the trends of:

• Authenticity
• Sustainability
• Wellness
• Personalization

By integrating cutting-edge technology, offering exclusive immersive experiences, and focusing on wellness and eco-consciousness, Dorat Najd Resort can continue to attract and satisfy the next generation of luxury travelers. Furthermore, the resort’s strategic partnerships and its commitment to offering personalized, seamless, and culturally rich experiences will ensure it remains at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury market.

AC: Personalization is key to the luxury guest experience. How does Dorat Najd Resort ensure that each guest receives a tailored and unforgettable experience, and can you share any unique services that set your resort apart?

SA: At Dorat Najd Resort, personalization is at the core of our philosophy to ensure every guest enjoys a tailored and unforgettable experience. We understand that luxury is not just about the physical environment but also about the emotions and memories created during a stay. Here’s how we personalize every aspect of the guest experience:

• Personalized welcome
• Unique personalized services in all outlets
• Gastronomic experience
• Customizable rooms and suites
• Concierge services
• Technology integration
• Exclusive wellness programs

AC: With the growing demand for wellness and relaxation, how has Dorat Najd Resort integrated wellness offerings into its luxury experiences, and how do you personalize these services for individual guest needs?

SA: At Dorat Najd Resort, we recognize that wellness and relaxation are fundamental elements of luxury today, and we’ve thoughtfully integrated a range of personalized wellness offerings into our luxury experiences. Our goal is to ensure every guest can find rejuvenation and tranquility that suits their individual preferences. Here’s how we’ve tailored wellness at our resort:

• Wellness spa sanctuary
• Private fitness sessions and movement
• Nutritional guidance and wellness cuisine
• Mindfulness, meditation and stress relief
• Post-Stay wellness support
• Exclusive private wellness experiences
• Technology-enhanced wellness

AC: As the General Manager of Dorat Najd Resort, what leadership qualities do you believe are crucial for navigating the challenges of the luxury hospitality sector, and how do you inspire your team to deliver exceptional service?

SA: I believe that leadership in the luxury hospitality sector requires a unique blend of qualities to navigate challenges and maintain the high standards that our guests expect. Below are the key leadership qualities I deem crucial for success in this industry, along with how I inspire my team to deliver exceptional service.

• Attention to details
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Adaptability and resilience
• Visionary leadership
• Collaboration and team empowerment
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical practices
• Commitment to excellence and service standards
• Inspiration through passion

Leading Dorat Najd Resort requires a combination of vision, empathy, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. By embodying these qualities and inspiring my team to do the same, we create a work environment that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and passion for exceptional service. This, in turn, allows us to consistently exceed the expectations of our guests and maintain our position as a premier luxury destination.

AC: Innovation is a key driver of success in luxury hospitality. How do you foster a culture of innovation at Dorat Najd Resort, and what are some recent innovations that have made a significant impact on the guest experience?

SA: At Dorat Najd Resort, fostering a culture of innovation is not just about staying ahead of industry trends—it’s about creating meaningful, impactful experiences that resonate with our guests. In the luxury hospitality sector, where expectations are continuously evolving, innovation is crucial to staying competitive and providing exceptional service. Here’s how we nurture this culture and the recent innovations we’ve introduced:

• Personalization through data and insights
• Continuous feedback loop
• Unique and immersive guest experiences
• Leveraging technology for enhanced experiences
• Sustainability and eco-innovation
• Experiential dining concepts
• Encouraging creativity and openness
• Investing in training and development

By encouraging creativity, leveraging technology, and staying responsive to evolving trends, Dorat Najd Resort ensures that we continuously innovate in ways that truly enhance the guest experience. These recent innovations have not only set us apart in the luxury hospitality sector but also reflect our commitment to providing a unique and personalized experience that exceeds expectations every time.

AC: What role do strategic partnerships play in Dorat Najd Resort’s growth strategy, and can you share any exciting collaborations or alliances that have helped elevate the resort’s standing in the luxury market?

SA: As I mentioned before, strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in Dorat Najd Resort’s growth strategy, helping us expand our reach, elevate our brand, and enhance the luxury experiences we offer. Collaborations with other industry leaders, from renowned luxury brands to local artisans and service providers, are instrumental in elevating the resort’s standing in the competitive luxury hospitality market.

At Dorat Najd Resort, we continue to evolve, setting new benchmarks in personalized luxury and creating unparalleled experiences for our guests. These alliances not only elevate our standing in the market but also ensure that every guest enjoys an extraordinary and unforgettable stay.

AC: With Dorat Najd Resort’s growing recognition on the global stage, do you have plans for expanding beyond Saudi Arabia? What regions or markets do you see as prime locations for luxury resorts in the future?

SA: As Dorat Najd Resort continues to gain recognition on the global stage, the question of expansion is certainly on our horizon. We understand that the demand for luxury travel is evolving, and as a leading player in the luxury hospitality industry, we want to ensure that we’re positioned to meet the growing expectations of global travelers. Saudi Arabia remains our proud home base and, our roots remain strong, we see significant potential for expansion into key global markets.

As our conversation with Souhaiel Abdeljaouad, General Manager of Dorat Najd Resort, comes to a close, it’s clear that the resort’s passion for excellence, innovation, and personalized luxury sets it apart in the competitive landscape of Riyadh’s hospitality scene. Under his visionary leadership, Dorat Najd Resort continues to redefine the luxury experience, blending world-class service with a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and modern comforts. As the resort looks toward future growth and expansion, it remains firmly rooted to delivering bespoke experiences for every guest, ensuring its place at the forefront of the global luxury hospitality market.