Mandarin Oriental is heading to the Red Sea. The legendary luxury brand has announced plans for Mandarin Oriental, Jeddah, a waterfront hotel and residential development that will open in 2030 as part of the city’s ambitious Jeddah Central project. For travellers, it means a new benchmark for high-end stays in one of Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic coastal hubs.
The setting is prime. The low-rise, marina-facing complex will sit directly on the water, offering expansive Red Sea views and immediate access to Jeddah Central’s diverse mix of dining districts, retail, private residences, and headline cultural attractions, including a new opera house, museum, oceanarium, and stadium. Global design firm KPF is steering the architecture and master plan, taking inspiration from local traditions and the relaxed rhythm of the sea to create a serene, contemporary hideaway.
“There’s a balance between the energy of the Marina and the calm of the Red Sea,” said Bruce Fisher, Principal at KPF, of the design intent. “The project brings those elements together in a really harmonious way.”
Inside, guests can expect 140 rooms and suites, all of which are angled toward the water, along with 115 serviced apartments for longer stays. The 187 branded residences will offer two to four bedrooms and a lineup of private amenities, from a cinema and games room to a golf simulator, library and kids club. And of course, everything will run on Mandarin Oriental’s famously polished service.
Food will be a major draw, with five dining venues planned across the property, including speciality concepts curated by the brand. There will be a generous selection of meeting and event spaces too, topped by a large ballroom. Wellness comes via The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, which will bring the Group’s signature therapies to the Red Sea, while younger travellers will have dedicated spaces of their own.
For Mandarin Oriental, the new opening is part of a bigger push in the region following successful launches in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat. “This development reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive. “Mandarin Oriental, Jeddah will offer experiences inspired by the city’s culture and heritage, delivered in a refined, contemporary setting.”
Eng. Ahmed Al Sulaim, CEO of Jeddah Central Development Company, said the project plays into the district’s wider vision to elevate the Red Sea coast. “We aim to position Jeddah as a leading global destination for business, leisure and culture,” he said.
Already attracting six million visitors a year, Jeddah is a natural gateway to the Red Sea. With Mandarin Oriental soon joining the shoreline, the city’s luxury landscape is set for a major lift.