Kimpton KAFD Riyadh Unveils Leadership Team Ahead of Landmark Opening

Rashad Iskandrni

First hotel in KAFD, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh appoints leadership team to champion human-first hospitality

[Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - July 8 2025] Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, the city’s highly anticipated new lifestyle luxury hotel, has announced the appointment of its senior leadership team ahead of opening. The diverse new team, comprising of an exceptional group of hospitality professionals, will shape a refreshingly personal guest experience at the property when it rolls out the welcome mat to guests from all over the world. Set to be the first hotel in the landmark King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Kimpton KAFD Riyadh  will bring a new dimension of style and warmth to the heart of this dynamic new district.

A trailblazer in the boutique lifestyle luxury space, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is known for bold, design-led approach and an ethos of genuine connection and inclusivity. With the “Come as you are” spirit at its core, the Riyadh property will offer a distinctly personal stay that celebrates individuality, community, and local culture.

Notably, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh will be the first hotel to open in KAFD and the very first Kimpton property in the Middle East - a dual milestone that underscores its role in shaping the district’s emerging business, lifestyle, and cultural landscape.

Rabih Beaino has been appointed General Manager, bringing more than two decades of hospitality leadership across the region. With a strong focus on people-first culture and guest experience, Rabih has consistently led teams to deliver meaningful impact across all facets of hotel operations.

Joining him are several key appointments, including three accomplished Saudi nationals in leadership roles, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to supporting Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom’s ongoing localisation and Saudisation goals.

“Our mission at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is simple. We’re creating a space where guests and colleagues feel genuinely welcome, seen, and inspired. We are proud to have such a talented, diverse leadership team who bring this spirit so vibrantly to life, while helping to nurture and elevate Saudi talent within our growing industry,” says Rabih Beaino, General Manager.

New leadership appointments include:

• Abdullah Al Othman, Hotel Manager, a seasoned Saudi hospitality leader with more than two decades of operational experience across the Kingdom’s flagship properties. Abdullah plays a pivotal role in championing Saudi talent development and guest experience excellence.
• Mohammed Taqi, Director of Rooms, brings an extensive background in launching and transforming leading properties, including the first JW Marriott Hotel in Saudi Arabia. A strong advocate for mentorship and innovation, he will shape the hotel’s guest journey from arrival to departure.
• Abdullah Etwadi, Director of Human Resources, is an expert in workforce engagement and Saudisation strategy, with a passion for building inclusive, supportive environments where both people and careers can thrive.
• Dalia Saad Zeait, Director of Sales & Marketing, is a dynamic commercial leader with a strong track record of driving strategic growth across the Saudi and Bahraini markets. Dalia brings both deep market knowledge and a creative lens to the hotel’s brand and business development.
• Michele Di Bonito, Director of Culinary, an award-winning Italian chef whose global experience, from Michelin-starred restaurants to iconic dining destinations, will shape the hotel’s distinct F&B offerings, curated with both heart and craft.

A nurturing space where personality leads

Reflecting Kimpton’s global ethos of human-first, design-led hospitality, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh  is set to offer a refreshingly unscripted hotel experience in the Kingdom - one that celebrates individuality, local culture, and genuine connections. The leadership team’s diverse perspectives and shared commitment to this vision will guide every aspect of the guest and colleague journey.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and creating an experience that feels both thoughtfully curated and joyfully personal, the very essence of what makes a Kimpton stay unique” adds Rabih Beaino.

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