They Treat Every Guest Like Family | Saudi Luxury Hotel Riyadh | WTM Riyadh 2026 | Zuhair
In this interview with Travel And Tour World at WTM Riyadh 2026, Zuhair Abdulfttah, Head of Sales at Atheel KAFD, discusses the hotel's authentic Saudi hospitality concept, its Q4 2026 opening in the King Abdullah Financial District, and its strategy to attract global business and leisure travellers. Key highlights: 1. Zuhair is Head of Sales at Atheel, the newest hotel to open in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in the heart of Riyadh. 2. He describes strong buyer interest and footfall at the Atheel stand, driven by the hotel's authentic story. 3. Atheel is positioned as the first Saudi luxury hotel operated by a company 100% Saudi-owned, rooted in genuine Saudi hospitality. 4. The team's strategy is to raise awareness of Saudi Arabia's authentic, deep-rooted relationship with hospitality as their core brand story. 5. Atheel is set to open in Q4 2026 as the first Saudi-managed luxury business hotel in the King Abdullah Financial District. 6. The concept centers on the "Saudi soul" providing an authentic Saudi welcome where staff act naturally, as if welcoming a guest into their own home. 7. The hotel also offers a strong meeting-space and events offering aimed at attracting business and MICE demand. 8. KAFD was chosen not just as a business district but increasingly as a leisure destination too, the hotel has views of the district, an on-site restaurant, a cinema, offices, and sky bridges connecting to the wider KAFD area. 9. Zuhair believes this combination of business and leisure appeal will drive strong demand for the property. 10. The hotel's commercial and sales team is almost entirely made up of Saudi nationals, chosen specifically for their strong local connections and networks. 11. Feedback from potential clients has been positive, people are intrigued by a homegrown Saudi luxury brand that can compete internationally. 12. Zuhair frames the hotel's growth strategy as opportunity-driven: as clients engage and provide opportunities, the team is confident in delivering quality service that matches international standards. About Travel And Tour World: Travel And Tour World is a global travel media platform covering travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, MICE, cruise, and luxury travel, with readership across 195 countries. [Atheel Hotel, WTM Riyadh 2026, King Abdullah Financial District, Saudi luxury hotel, Riyadh hotel opening, Atheel first Saudi luxury hotel KAFD Riyadh, Atheel Hotel Q4 2026 opening interview, Saudi owned luxury hotel King Abdullah Financial District, Authentic Saudi hospitality luxury hotel brand, Zuhair Atheel Head of Sales interview WTM Riyadh, Saudi soul hospitality concept luxury hotel, Atheel Hotel Riyadh, Atheel KAFD luxury hotel, Zuhair Atheel Head of Sales, Saudi luxury hotel brands trend 2026, KAFD Riyadh leisure business destination trend, Homegrown Saudi hospitality brands trend, WTM Riyadh 2026 hotel launches, Riyadh business and leisure hotel trend] #kafd #TravelAndTourWorld #luxuryhotel #sauditourism #riyadh #saudi