IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled Masarona by IHG, a new talent development program created to prepare Saudi nationals for leadership roles in hospitality. The initiative, whose name means “Our Pathway” in Arabic, is designed to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and to provide career opportunities for local talent in a rapidly expanding tourism sector.
Saudi Arabia’s hotel industry is undergoing major growth, fueled by its young population and national goals for transformation. Masarona by IHG marks the company’s investment in that growth, offering a structured route for Saudi professionals to advance within the organization at every stage.
“Vision 2030 has positioned Saudi Arabia as the new epicenter of global hospitality. For IHG, nurturing local talent is not just a strategic imperative; it is a responsibility. Masarona by IHG provides a definitive framework to cultivate national leaders who will define the next era of our industry, both within the Kingdom and on the international stage. This is True Hospitality for Good in action,” said Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The program builds on IHG’s existing record of employing local talent. At present, about half of IHG’s workforce in Saudi Arabia are nationals.
“With Masarona by IHG, we are investing in our greatest asset – our people. This program is more than just training; it’s a promise to empower our Saudi colleagues to reach their full potential and shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom. By cultivating local talent, we are not only strengthening IHG’s presence but also contributing to the sustainable growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector,” said Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Masarona by IHG is structured to include four career tracks, starting from Colleague level through to Senior Leader. The framework combines accredited learning with hands-on training and mentorship from senior leaders. A key feature is cross-exposure, giving selected participants the chance to gain experience across different functions and in international markets throughout IHG’s portfolio. The program is available to both existing colleagues and new Saudi recruits, with support from IHG’s global team to ensure an inclusive environment for growth.
The initiative is designed to complement IHG University, the company’s digital learning hub, and existing leadership development programs such as IHG Academy, Journey to GM, RISE and Ascent. By linking structured learning with practical exposure, IHG aims to provide a pathway for Saudi talent to build long-term careers and contribute to the Kingdom’s fast-developing hospitality sector.
