The beautifully manicured lawns of the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh entrance. The beautifully manicured lawns of the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh entrance.

Laurent makes the effort to meet every staff member at the hotel on their first day, as well as at orientation and training sessions and swears by his open-door policy for all staff, whether they have a personal- or work-related problem: “They feel really looked after.”

He adds: “The Ritz-Carlton is more than a luxury hotel, it is a place for inspired and talented people to find opportunities for growth all around them.”

However, the hardest aspect of opening Ritz-Carlton’s first property in Saudi Arabia was, as many would expect, recruitment. “There is a natural apprehension coming to work in Saudi Arabia but, not surprisingly, when people come and spend a little bit of time, they realise it is not such a bad place.”

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He explains that attitudes of Saudi nationals towards hotel work are also changing. The hotel has exceeded its Saudisation target of 30% already, and not one has left. “They are amazing people, it’s a pleasure to work with them. They have a great sense of humour, they are dedicated, and very eager to learn and grow.”

Since opening, the hotelier says that Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has been “put on the map”, but they’re continuing to improve. “It has been a great opening so far — everyone coming is different and, from everyone different, we can learn something different.”

He puts the success of not only the hotel, but Riyadh and the country itself as a key business destination, down to investment by both the Saudi government and private corporations — his main two sectors, followed by domestic leisure.

“Saudi Arabia is enjoying a strong growth and our sector is witnessing an increase in demand and many, many companies have ambitious expansion plans.”

Its 493 rooms are a “challenge”, but he says it is a “majestic property in a prime location — the Arabian peninsula”. “To me it is the most beautiful property in the Middle East.” He adds: “We hope that the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh will not be the last one in Saudi Arabia.”