Refad and Hilton Sign Agreement to Open a Conrad Hotel within Merkan Quarter Project in Al Khobar
19, Nov 2025
4 minute
Riyadh – November 2025
Refad Real Estate Investment & Development, the property arm of Al Qahtani Holding Group, announced the signing of an agreement with global hospitality company Hilton to open the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Al Khobar. The luxury hotel will be located within the highly anticipated Merkan Quarter development.
The signing ceremony took place at Refad’s pavilion during Cityscape Global 2025, held in Riyadh from 17 to 20 November, marking a milestone partnership that reinforces Merkan Quarter’s status as a vibrant, multi-use destination combining luxury hospitality, business, and retail experiences within a seamlessly connected environment. The collaboration aligns with Refad’s strategic vision to deliver integrated hospitality experiences through projects that embody innovation, sustainability, and modern urban living, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Commenting on the agreement, Abdulhadi Al Qahtani, Managing Director of Refad, stated: “This partnership with Hilton represents a strategic milestone in Refad’s journey to develop integrated urban destinations that embody the principles of luxury and sustainability. It further strengthens Al Khobar’s position as a distinctive destination that blends quality of life with a deep sense of place.”
Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to partner with Refad Real Estate Investment & Development to introduce Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Al Khobar. Merkan Quarter is an exceptional project that offers residents and visitors an all-in-one destination, making it perfectly aligned to the luxury Conrad brand. This opening reflects Hilton’s continued growth in Saudi Arabia and our commitment to delivering elevated experiences that resonate with today’s discerning travelers.”
Conrad Al Khobar will mark the luxury brand’s first hotel in the city, offering purposeful service and bold, locally inspired design to create meaningful connections for guests. The 161-key property will feature curated culinary experiences, including a lobby café, an all-day dining venue, a signature restaurant with terrace, a poolside lounge, and an executive lounge. Guests will also enjoy extensive meeting and boardroom facilities, along with premium amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, and a spa – delivering a distinctive luxury experience that reflects the identity of the destination and supports the growth of both business and leisure tourism across the Eastern Province.
Merkan Quarter is a fully integrated urban destination located along King Fahd Road, spanning approximately 17,000 square meters, with a total built-up area of around 57,000 square meters, positioning it among the most
prominent upcoming developments in the Eastern Province. The development stands as one of Refad’s flagship mixed-use projects, designed to bring together upscale hospitality, premium office spaces, and retail experiences within a prime location in Al Khobar. The project is envisioned as a landmark addition to the city’s skyline, contributing to the continued evolution of the Eastern Province’s real estate and urban development landscape.
Merkan Quarter is expected to stimulate local economic growth and reinforce Al Khobar’s standing as an attractive destination for tourism and investment, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and enhance overall quality of life.
