IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC for the Cantonal Hotel Riyadh Noted Collection by IHG. The deal marks the first entry of Noted Collection into the Middle East and represents a significant milestone for this premium brand, recently added to the group’s portfolio.
A strategic signing for Noted Collection in the Middle East
Launched just a few months ago, Noted Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 21st brand. Positioned in the premium segment, it is aimed at independent hotels with a strong identity and a story to tell, giving them access to IHG’s commercial ecosystem and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme.
This positioning, geared primarily towards the conversion of existing properties, allows independent owners to retain their distinctive character while benefiting from the distribution power of a global hotel group. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, regarded by IHG as one of the region’s most dynamic markets, was chosen for this first Middle East signing.
A central location in Riyadh’s business district
The hotel will be located in Al Olaya, the Saudi capital’s historic business district, in close proximity to the Kingdom Centre Tower. The property will also offer quick access to Al Faisaliah Tower, the King Abdullah Financial District and the King Fahad National Library, roughly thirty minutes from King Khalid International Airport.
This location is intended to serve a clientele blending business and leisure travellers, in an area undergoing significant urban and economic development.
Conversion expected to complete by late 2026
The Cantonal Hotel Riyadh Noted Collection by IHG will comprise 107 rooms once conversion is complete, with opening slated for by the end of 2026. The property will feature a main restaurant, a café, a rooftop lounge, meeting spaces and an indoor pool, reinforcing the group’s premium positioning in the Kingdom.
Executive comments
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are proud to introduce Noted Collection to the Middle East through this landmark signing in Riyadh, bringing a new premium collection brand to one of the region’s most dynamic hotel markets. As Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its national tourism ambitions and elevate its hospitality landscape, this signing reflects our commitment to bringing distinctive brands and experiences to the Kingdom.”
He added: “Noted Collection is designed for independent hotels with a story to tell, properties that spark curiosity, conversation and a genuine sense of place. We look forward to working with Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC to bring this promise to life for guests in the Saudi capital, while continuing to pursue our growth ambitions in the Kingdom and across the wider region.”
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Haqbani, Manager at Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC, commented: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce Noted Collection to the Middle East from the Saudi capital. Riyadh is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are seeing strong demand for hotels that combine individuality, quality and a clear sense of place, while drawing on the systems, loyalty programme and commercial reach of a globally recognised group.”
Saudi Arabia, a priority market for IHG
IHG currently operates 48 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with a further 62 in the pipeline, confirming the Kingdom’s position among the group’s most important growth markets worldwide. This signing follows other recent agreements, such as the partnership signed with Ashaad for three new hotels in the Kingdom, and the expansion of IHG’s portfolio in Medina.
Noted Collection is also continuing its international rollout, following a first signing in the UK with Theobalds Estate. The group intends to build out the brand globally over time, starting with the Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa region.
🔗 Read more on LTH: IHG launches Noted Collection, its 21st premium hotel brand
AT A GLANCE 👀
IHG signs franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC
Cantonal Hotel Riyadh Noted Collection by IHG: first Noted Collection property in the Middle East
107 keys, located in Al Olaya, Riyadh’s central business district
Opening expected by end of 2026, following a conversion
IHG operates 48 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with 62 more in the pipeline
Noted Collection is IHG’s 21st brand, targeting the upscale/upper-upscale independent hotel segment
