The Oberoi Sukoonvilas resort opens in early 2027 in Wadi Safar near Riyadh: 60 Najdi villas

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts will open The Oberoi Sukoonvilas in the first quarter of 2027, a resort featuring 60 villas and 10 branded residences in Wadi Safar, about thirty minutes from Riyadh. Announced on 28 September 2026, this is the Indian group’s first “Vilas” resort outside of India, and according to Oberoi, the first hotel to open in this valley that Diriyah Company is transforming into a luxury destination.

Najdi villas nestled in the wadi

Sukoon means “serenity” in both Arabic and Hindi-Urdu, and the resort makes this its guiding ethos. The villas embrace traditional mud-brick Najdi architecture from the central Saudi plateau, featuring lines that follow the curves of the wadi, high ceilings, interiors in muted tones, and views of indigenous trees. The estate covers more than 37 acres (approximately 15 hectares), just a few kilometres from the At-Turaif site, the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Three dining venues and an Asmi spa

When it comes to dining, Oberoi is banking on renowned signatures. Yatra, the Indian restaurant, is under the mentorship of Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, overlooking the desert sunset. Linnet serves pastries from London bakery Lily Vanilli alongside Indian teas and Arabic coffee, while Beyla, open all day, transitions seamlessly from Italy to Japan. The resort also features the Asmi by Oberoi spa, an infinity pool overlooking the valley, a yoga studio, a kids’ club, and a banquet hall for 160 guests.

Wadi Safar, Riyadh’s luxury valley

Wadi Safar spans some 60 sq km west of Diriyah, the capital’s major heritage development project. The master plan provides for 774 keys distributed across eight properties, 140 branded residences, and 42 km of trails, with Aman, Six Senses, Faena, The Chedi, and Montage alongside Oberoi. Surrounding amenities include a 27-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman as well as a polo and equestrian club. In Diriyah itself, Emaar is preparing an Address hotel for 2028.

A renamed and rescheduled project

The resort comes as no surprise: Oberoi and Diriyah Company first presented it in December 2025 under the name The Oberoi, Wadi Safar, targeting an opening in the second half of 2026. September’s announcement gives it its final name and postpones the opening to early 2027. The ten Oberoi residences, comprising five- and six-bedroom villas, are being marketed by Diriyah Company.

Oberoi returns to Saudi Arabia

For Vikram Oberoi, the group’s CEO, the location offers “a rare opportunity” to create an experience deeply rooted in local history and culture. Since the closure of The Oberoi Madina on 1 January 2026, the group had been without a hotel in the kingdom. Outside of India, it currently operates addresses in Bali, Lombok, Mauritius, Marrakech, and Sahl Hasheesh, alongside two Nile cruisers. In India, its safari lodges are reopening for the tiger season.

Our perspective

Oberoi’s “Vilas” properties, from the Udaivilas in Udaipur to the Amarvilas in Agra, rank among Asia’s most admired resorts. Exporting this formula to Riyadh is a bet on resort living at the gateway to a capital city, set within a valley where top brands are vying for position. As the first to arrive, Oberoi will enjoy the advantage of setting the standard. Discover all our international hotel news.