IHG Hotels & Resorts launches ‘Masarona by IHG’ to cultivate Saudi Arabia’s next generation of hospitality leaders

Manal Saleh

New flagship talent program will accelerate leadership development amongst national talent, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s rising position on the global tourism stage

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 30 September 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the launch of Masarona by IHG, a landmark talent development program designed to empower Saudi nationals to become the future leaders of the global hospitality industry. The program name, meaning “Our Pathway” in Arabic, reflects a shared commitment to creating exceptional career journeys for local talent in alignment with the Kingdom’s transformative Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by one of the world's most ambitious and dynamic youth populations. Masarona by IHG is IHG’s strategic investment in this potential, providing a clear and structured pathway for Saudi colleagues to grow and lead at every level of the organization.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Vision 2030 has positioned Saudi Arabia as the new epicenter of global hospitality. For IHG, nurturing local talent is not just a strategic imperative; it is a responsibility. Masarona by IHG provides a definitive framework to cultivate national leaders who will define the next era of our industry, both within the Kingdom and on the international stage. This is True Hospitality for Good in action.”

Masarona by IHG stems from IHG’s long-standing commitment to local talent development. Today, nearly 50 percent of IHG’s workforce in Saudi Arabia are Saudi nationals, and in 2023, IHG was recognized as the #1 Best Workplace in Saudi Arabia, underscoring its strong reputation as an employer of choice.

Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “With Masarona by IHG, we are investing in our greatest asset – our people. This program is more than just training; it’s a promise to empower our Saudi colleagues to reach their full potential and shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom. By cultivating local talent, we are not only strengthening IHG’s presence but also contributing to the sustainable growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”

Masarona by IHG is built on a comprehensive framework that combines practical experience with strategic development. The program offers four distinct career pathways—from Colleague to Senior Leader. Colleagues will benefit from a blend of accredited academic courses, hands-on on-the-job training, and personalised mentorship from IHG’s senior leaders. A key component of the program is cross-exposure, offering high-potential candidates the opportunity to gain cross-function and international experience within IHG’s global portfolio. The program is open to both existing IHG colleagues and new hires who are Saudi nationals, and will be powered by IHG’s diverse, global team, with colleagues from all backgrounds playing a key role as mentors and supporters, fostering an inclusive environment for growth.

This initiative complements IHG’s existing learning and development framework, IHG University, which provides tailored ‘always-on’ content and resources to support hotel colleagues and hotel leaders. Additionally, IHG has programs such as IHG Academy, which partners with local universities and institutions to develop future hospitality leaders, as well as global leadership development programs like Journey to GM, RISE, and Ascent.

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