Oberoi
The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar
Oberoi's gateway to Diriyah

First look
The Oberoi, Wadi Safar (operating as Sukoonvilas) is the brand's first property in Saudi Arabia, and it lands in a telling spot: the gated Wadi Safar community on the edge of Diriyah, minutes from the UNESCO-listed mud-brick city of At-Turaif. That makes it less a desert resort than a base for the kingdom's biggest cultural-tourism bet.
The numbers are deliberately small. Sixty rooms and ten private villas, wrapped around a Greg Norman 27-hole championship golf course and overlooking the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club. There's a spa, five dining venues, and a ballroom for up to 160. Oberoi tends to run quiet, service-forward properties rather than statement architecture, which fits a community this private.
We haven't stayed, so this is anticipation, not a verdict. What we'll be watching for: whether the service standard that built Oberoi's reputation travels intact to a brand-new market, how the villas handle the climate, and whether the Diriyah location delivers genuine access to At-Turaif or just a view of it. We'll find out when we visit.
Not yet scored. We publish a Fat Score only once a hotel is open and real guests have stayed and written about it — this is a first look, not a verdict.
Before it opens
When does The Oberoi, Wadi Safar open?
Oberoi and trade press say the second half of 2026, with some reports pointing to October 2026. Treat it as a 2026 window until the brand confirms a firm date, as opening dates for new-build resorts often slip.
How many rooms does The Oberoi, Wadi Safar have, and what's on site?
It's a small property: 60 rooms and 10 private villas. On site are a Greg Norman 27-hole championship golf course, a spa, five dining venues, a pool, and a ballroom for up to 160 guests, set next to Diriyah's historic At-Turaif.
Open now
What you can book today
The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safaris still under wraps. Here's what's already open and scored in our collection — more from Oberoi, and nearby in Saudi Arabia.
From the desk
Get the first-look verdict
We publish our verdict the week The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar opens. Get it in the monthly note, before the rest of the internet catches up.
More anticipated openings
All openings
Six Senses
Middle EastSix Senses The Palm, Dubai
— Six Senses' UAE debut
The wellness brand's first address in the Emirates, on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah — 61 suites and a sprawling spa over the Gulf.
Expected
September 2026

Raffles
Middle EastRaffles The Red Sea
— Raffles plants a flag inside Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination, on the dolphin-shaped Shura Island.
Raffles heads to Shura Island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea project, with 121 rooms, 14 suites and 33 pool villas slated for 2026.
Expected
2026

Rosewood
Middle EastRosewood Amaala
— Part of AMAALA phase one on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, 110 rooms plus 25 residences
Rosewood is part of the first phase of AMAALA on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, with 110 rooms and 25 residences. Targeting 2026.
Expected
2026
