Thursday, May 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia is set to transform Dammam into a leading wellness destination through the launch of the Middle East’s first EVEN Hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts—a bold move that aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy. Scheduled to open in January 2029, the groundbreaking hotel will introduce a new standard of wellness-focused hospitality to the region, offering in-room fitness zones, health-conscious dining, and state-of-the-art recreational facilities. Positioned in the heart of the King Abdullah Civic Center, this strategic development reinforces Dammam’s emerging role as a hub for business and lifestyle tourism, while elevating the Eastern Province’s profile on the global travel map.

Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step toward transforming Dammam into a hub for wellness-focused tourism with the introduction of the region’s first EVEN Hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts. This significant development, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, marks the Middle East debut of IHG’s wellness-centric lifestyle brand and signals a major milestone in the evolution of the hospitality landscape in the Eastern Province. The new property, scheduled to open in January 2029, is poised to redefine the concept of “travel well” by offering a comprehensive wellness experience to both leisure and business travelers.

IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to debut its wellness-focused EVEN brand in Saudi Arabia, marking the first expansion of its health-oriented hotel portfolio into the Middle East. This new initiative represents more than just another hotel opening—it reflects a strategic move to meet the growing demand for wellness tourism in the region and across the globe. The EVEN brand is specifically designed to help travelers maintain their wellness routines on the road, offering a unique blend of health, fitness, and lifestyle features in an upscale hospitality environment.

The upcoming EVEN Hotel in Dammam is being developed through a strategic collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Marassi Al Bahr Development Company, which operates under the umbrella of Al Khaldi Holding. This collaboration underscores the increasing role of private investment in realizing the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and develop its non-oil sectors—including tourism and hospitality.

Positioned at the heart of Dammam’s King Abdullah Civic Center, the upcoming EVEN Hotel will offer seamless connectivity to major government institutions, cultural venues, and commercial districts, enhancing its appeal for both business and leisure travelers. This location places it at the heart of Dammam’s rapidly growing civic and business infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for both regional and international visitors.

Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, has long been recognized as a vital commercial gateway. As the city continues to develop into a multifaceted business and lifestyle destination, the addition of a wellness-centered hotel strengthens its appeal among health-conscious travelers and corporate guests seeking a balanced stay experience. The hotel’s proximity to strategic government zones and commercial hubs will also enhance its role in hosting meetings, events, and business delegations.

The EVEN Hotel Dammam is designed with wellness as its central focus. Unlike traditional hotels, the property will feature specialized in-room wellness zones, enabling guests to engage in personal fitness routines without leaving their rooms. This innovation is part of IHG’s broader commitment to promoting holistic wellbeing, offering travelers the opportunity to maintain their physical and mental health regardless of their location.

The hotel will also house a comprehensive suite of wellness and fitness amenities, including state-of-the-art gyms, recreation areas, and wellness-focused public spaces. Guests will have access to healthy food and beverage options tailored to nutritional needs, with menus crafted to complement active lifestyles. These features will appeal not only to wellness enthusiasts but also to everyday travelers who want a more balanced and fulfilling travel experience.

The debut of EVEN Hotel Dammam marks a strategic advancement in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to expanding its tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors as integral pillars of long-term economic transformation. By attracting international brands and introducing wellness-oriented accommodations, the Kingdom aims to position itself as a global tourism destination.

Vision 2030 outlines a goal of increasing both domestic and international tourism by enhancing visitor experiences and improving infrastructure. Dammam’s selection as the site for the first EVEN Hotel in the Middle East speaks to the city’s growing importance in the national development strategy. It also reflects the government’s commitment to regional development, ensuring that key cities across the Kingdom benefit from high-quality hospitality investments.

The launch of the EVEN Hotel Dammam further strengthens IHG Hotels & Resorts’ position in the Saudi Arabian market. The company already operates 45 hotels under six well-established brands across the Kingdom. With an additional 47 properties in the pipeline, IHG is steadily expanding its footprint in line with national tourism growth targets.

This latest signing not only marks the debut of a new brand in the region but also signifies IHG’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia. By bringing innovative hospitality concepts like EVEN to cities like Dammam, IHG is contributing to the creation of a diversified hotel offering that caters to a broad range of travelers—from luxury and leisure to corporate and wellness-focused guests.

The modern traveler expects more from hotel stays than just comfort and convenience. Today’s guests increasingly seek personalized experiences that support health, productivity, and emotional wellbeing. EVEN Hotel Dammam is purpose-built to meet these expectations, providing a flexible environment where wellness, connection, and relaxation intersect.

Each space within the hotel is designed to accommodate changing guest needs, whether it’s a quiet area for mindfulness, a meeting space for work, or a social venue for community engagement. The balance of productivity and rejuvenation will appeal to visitors seeking more meaningful and enriching travel experiences.

The opening of EVEN Hotel Dammam is expected to bring several economic and social benefits to the region. In addition to creating direct employment opportunities in hospitality, construction, and facility management, the project will stimulate local businesses that support hotel operations. Restaurants, retailers, suppliers, and service providers in the Eastern Province stand to benefit from increased visitor traffic and spending.

Moreover, the presence of a premium wellness hotel contributes to Dammam’s urban revitalization, drawing attention to the city as a destination for investment, events, and lifestyle experiences. The hotel’s integration into the King Abdullah Civic Center—already a focal point for government and business—enhances the area’s attractiveness for new development and urban planning.

Dammam’s dual identity as a commercial hub and cultural gateway makes it an ideal location for a property like EVEN Hotel. Business travelers visiting the Eastern Province will find the wellness features especially useful for maintaining their routines during intensive work trips. Meanwhile, leisure guests can enjoy a rejuvenating stay with access to wellness programming and fitness options that go beyond traditional amenities.

The hotel’s design and services are tailored to help travelers find balance, with personalized experiences that support their unique lifestyle goals. Whether it’s pre-scheduled wellness sessions, healthy dining options, or intuitive room layouts, every detail is curated to empower guests to stay on track with their personal health objectives.

As the first EVEN Hotel in the Middle East, the Dammam property sets a precedent for future wellness-focused developments in the Gulf region. Its success could pave the way for more IHG wellness hotels across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond, contributing to the evolution of the regional tourism landscape.

The global wellness tourism market has been steadily growing, and Gulf nations are beginning to recognize the importance of catering to this emerging segment. By launching a brand specifically engineered to support physical and mental wellbeing, Saudi Arabia positions itself at the forefront of this movement in the Middle East.

With the opening scheduled for January 2029, the project will enter an intensive development phase over the next four years. Major project phases will encompass completing the design blueprint, commencing construction activities, and initiating the hiring and training of operational personnel. Sustainability is also expected to be a priority, with energy-efficient systems, green building standards, and waste reduction practices likely to be incorporated into the property’s construction and operation phases.

The long lead time allows IHG and its development partners to ensure the highest standards in both design and service delivery. The project is expected to serve as a model for how new-generation hotels can integrate wellness, sustainability, and innovation in a cohesive experience.

The successful implementation of the EVEN Hotel in Dammam may trigger a broader rollout of the brand across other cities in Saudi Arabia. Locations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM are potential candidates for future wellness hotel developments, given their strategic importance and projected visitor growth.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and diversify its offerings, brands that focus on niche travel segments—like wellness—will play a crucial role in differentiating the Kingdom from regional competitors. The EVEN Hotel Dammam could serve as a blueprint for future lifestyle-oriented properties in the country.

Saudi Arabia’s plan to debut the Middle East’s first EVEN Hotel in Dammam marks a pivotal step in advancing its tourism agenda, boosting economic diversification, and positioning wellness as a core pillar of its national development objectives. Through strategic partnerships and innovative design, the Kingdom is embracing global hospitality trends and setting new standards for what modern travelers can expect in the region.

Saudi Arabia is set to transform Dammam into a wellness destination with the launch of IHG’s first EVEN Hotel in the Middle East, introducing health-focused hospitality aligned with Vision 2030. The hotel will offer wellness-centered amenities and prime access to civic and commercial zones, redefining travel in the Eastern Province.

This project not only elevates Dammam’s position as a business and wellness destination but also strengthens IHG’s long-term presence in Saudi Arabia. With wellness now recognized as a key pillar of tourism development, the EVEN Hotel Dammam represents a powerful convergence of health, hospitality, and strategic growth—ushering in a new era for the Eastern Province and the Middle East at large.