IHG Hotels & Resorts ventured to the desert and struck a deal, signing an agreement during the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh on Even Hotel Dammam, which, when it opens in 2029, will be the first of the company’s wellness-focused brand in the Middle East. Dammam is a port city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The 300-room hotel is being developed in partnership with Marassi Al Bahr Development Company, a subsidiary of Al Khaldi Holding group of companies and will be located in the King Abdullah Civic Center.
IHG launched Even Hotels back in 2012 and, to its credit, Even was one of the first hotel brands to specifically address traveler wellness, with features like exercise space, called wellness zones, and equipment in guestrooms and a well-stocked, well-located gym. Thirteen years on, the brand has 37 hotels globally, the bulk in North America with 13 located on Mainland China.
The brand was created through in-depth market research and adapted to how today’s traveler integrates well-being into their lifestyle, IHG said. “Even Hotel Dammam will be the ‘third space’—a lifestyle destination featuring a harmonious blend of adaptive spaces that evolve with guests’ needs, seamlessly balancing productivity, relaxation, and connection,” a press release said. Each room will feature the signature wellness zones and guests have access to workouts at Athletic Studio with zones for strength, cardio, and recovery, the Soul Studio for yoga and mindful movement, and rejuvenating rituals at the spa.
Inspired by biophilic design, Even Hotel Dammam “will deliver a fresh take on wellness with lifestyle-led stays for guests who want to stay in sync with their rhythm,” IHG said.
“We are proud to be launching our Even brand in the region,” said Haitham Mattar, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa. “Lifestyle has evolved into the ultimate differentiator in hospitality—it’s no longer about aesthetics alone, but about fostering identity and belonging. Today’s travelers seek immersive, authentic experiences that resonate with their personal values, from innovative cuisine to meaningful connections.
Mattar added that the hotel is being developed at a pivotal time for the Kingdom. “As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 ambitions, [the hotel] embodies IHG’s commitment to innovative hospitality that aligns with the Kingdom’s focus on lifestyle and holistic well-being.”
“This project reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative and world-class developments that contribute to Vision 2030 and support the Kingdom’s positioning as a leading lifestyle and tourism destination,” said Mr. Abdulmohsen Al Khaldi, Chairman of Marassi Al Bahr Development Company.
IHG currently operates 45 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and voco, with 47 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.
