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Experts: Launch of ‘Boutique Group’ Enhances Tourism Gains by Reviving Heritage

Photo shows the newly announced Boutique Group logo against the backdrop of a luxurious-looking building. January 20, 2022. (PIF)
Photo shows the newly announced Boutique Group logo against the backdrop of a luxurious-looking building. January 20, 2022. (PIF)
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Experts: Launch of ‘Boutique Group’ Enhances Tourism Gains by Reviving Heritage

Photo shows the newly announced Boutique Group logo against the backdrop of a luxurious-looking building. January 20, 2022. (PIF)
Photo shows the newly announced Boutique Group logo against the backdrop of a luxurious-looking building. January 20, 2022. (PIF)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled ‘Boutique Group’ to develop historical palaces into luxury boutique hotels, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Thursday.

Boutique Group is a “a new hospitality brand that will manage and convert a collection of iconic historic and cultural palaces in Saudi Arabia into ultra-luxury boutique hotels.

The company will revive the vibrant heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia to create a new and unique hospitality experience,” the PIF announced in a statement on Thursday.

Specialists assured Asharq Al-Awsat that the project enhances the Kingdom’s tourism level both regionally and internationally.

They indicated that PIF is witnessing qualitative leaps in terms of projects that aim to diversify the country’s sources of income.

Majed Al Hokair, General Manager and CEO of Abdul Mohsin Al Hokair Company, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the launch of the Boutique Group by the Crown Prince is an important step towards enhancing tourism in Saudi Arabia.

It does so by offering unique quality projects that enable visitors to have a different and attractive experience that reflects the country’s position as a leading tourist and cultural destination.

Hokair added that PIF is moving towards its goals in launching mega projects that contribute to the development of the local economy and diversify the country’s sources of income.

Developing historical and cultural palaces in Saudi Arabia and transforming them into ultra-luxury boutique hotels is an important step to diversify the opportunities that the tourism market enjoys, Hokair clarified.

The CEO pointed out that this experience exists in many countries of the world and has the advantage of living in historical sites, while at the same time reviving heritage places that reflect the authentic Saudi character.

The first phase of the project will focus on the development of three palaces including al-Hamra Palace in Jeddah, Tuwaiq Palace and Red Palace in Riyadh.

Al-Hamra Palace will reportedly offer 77 keys, including 33 luxury palace suites and 44 luxury villas in Jeddah. Tuwaiq Palace will provide 96 keys of 40 luxury palace suites and 56 luxury villas. Whereas Red Palace will offer 71 keys, including 46 luxury suites, and 25 luxury guest rooms.

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China Affirms Integration of Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Vision 2030

 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
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China Affirms Integration of Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Vision 2030

 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)
 A recent report confirms that the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Saudi Vision 2030 marks the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. (AFP)

A recent report from Fujian Daily has highlighted the growing partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Saudi Vision 2030. This collaboration reflects the two nations’ shared commitment to fostering global progress and creating a unified future for humanity.
The report underscored the strengthening ties between the two countries in education and industry. For example, 22 Saudi students have graduated from Xiamen University in Fujian, with many pursuing careers in the chemical industry. Some have returned to Fujian, further enhancing the relationship between the nations.
During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2022, a significant agreement was signed between Sinopec and Saudi Aramco to develop the second phase of the Gulei refining and petrochemical integration project. This initiative exemplifies the deepening energy sector cooperation.
In February 2024, construction began on a joint ethylene project with an investment of 44.8 billion yuan ($6.14 billion), marking the first direct partnership between a Chinese regional company and a global firm in petrochemicals. Expected to complete by 2026, the project highlights the strategic importance of industrial collaboration.
The report also spotlighted the historical ties between China and Arab countries through the Silk Road, with Fujian serving as a key hub. Today, initiatives such as the Maritime Silk Road revive this legacy. In May 2024, a multimodal transport channel linking Nanchang, Xiamen, and Saudi Arabia was launched to facilitate exports from the Gulei project to global markets.
Additionally, the second phase of the Gulei complex was launched in November 2024, with a total investment of 71.1 billion yuan ($9.74 billion), making it the largest industrial project in Fujian’s history. The project aims to enhance resource security and boost the petrochemical supply chain.
The report concluded that the ongoing partnership, supported by technological advancements and shared ambitions, underscores a new era of strategic collaboration, with the integration of BRI and Vision 2030 symbolizing a bright future for both nations.