Tourism & Hospitality Development Director

CONFIDENTIAL Scovai, a pioneering force in the Talent Acquisition & Recruiting sector, is partnering with a leading organization to identify an exceptional Tourism & Hospitality Development Director based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This high-impact, director-level role sits within the Strategy & Development function and is central to driving the Kingdom's tourism and hospitality ambitions in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Operating on a hybrid working model, the successful candidate will serve as the strategic architect behind hospitality asset development, investment attraction, and destination management initiatives that will shape the future of tourism across the Kingdom.

The Director will lead end-to-end strategic development efforts, including master planning, project feasibility assessments, and the cultivation of public-private partnerships that unlock transformative hospitality investments. You will oversee a robust pipeline of hospitality assets, manage complex commercial negotiations, and engage a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders — from government entities and international hotel brands to private investors and development partners. Full P&L accountability and team leadership responsibilities are integral to this role, demanding both commercial acumen and inspirational leadership.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of national transformation and world-class hospitality development. With Saudi Arabia emerging as one of the most dynamic tourism markets globally, this role offers unparalleled scope, visibility, and impact. The tax-free compensation package, combined with the chance to contribute to giga-scale projects reshaping an entire nation's tourism landscape, makes this an extraordinary career-defining appointment for a seasoned development professional.

Deep knowledge of Saudi regulatory, land‑use and permitting processes with established relationships across national and regional government bodies

Experience structuring large‑scale project financing, including Islamic finance instruments (sukuk) and investor syndication

Expertise in sustainable and regenerative tourism development with proven ESG integration and green certification (e.g., LEED, Green Globe)

Track record in cultural heritage‑led tourism product development and local community engagement

Experience implementing smart tourism solutions and data‑driven destination management (visitor analytics, digital platforms)

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with Saudi Vision 2030 tourism initiatives or giga-project environments (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea Project)
• Established relationships with international hotel brands and hospitality operators
• Arabic language proficiency (spoken and/or written)
• ESG-aligned development practices and sustainability frameworks in hospitality
• Prior exposure to GCC or MENA regional tourism markets