W Riyadh – KAFD, the first W Hotels property in Saudi Arabia, has announced the appointment of Fares Daghlas as General Manager, marking an important milestone as the luxury lifestyle hotel continues to establish itself as one of Riyadh’s most exciting hospitality destinations.

With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Middle East, Daghlas joins W Riyadh – KAFD at a pivotal time for both the hotel and Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving tourism and hospitality sector. His appointment comes as Riyadh strengthens its position as a global business, lifestyle and cultural destination, supported by the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

Located in the heart of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), W Riyadh – KAFD is redefining lifestyle hospitality in Saudi Arabia. As the country’s first W Hotel, the property blends bold design, world-class dining, immersive entertainment and curated cultural experiences, creating a dynamic social hub for both international travellers and local residents.

Daghlas brings extensive leadership expertise from some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection and Westin Hotels & Resorts. Throughout his distinguished career, he has successfully led hotel openings, managed multi-property operations and spearheaded growth initiatives focused on guest satisfaction, team development and commercial excellence.

Recognised for building high-performing teams and fostering collaborative workplace cultures, Daghlas has consistently championed people-first leadership. His approach combines operational excellence with a strong commitment to mentoring talent, empowering employees and delivering memorable guest experiences that align with evolving traveller expectations.

In his new role, Daghlas will oversee all aspects of operations at W Riyadh – KAFD while strengthening the hotel’s position as a leading lifestyle hotel in Riyadh. His focus will include creating innovative guest experiences, expanding the property’s cultural and social programming, and enhancing its reputation as a destination for contemporary dining, entertainment and community engagement.

A key priority for Daghlas will also be nurturing Saudi hospitality talent and supporting workforce development in line with Vision 2030. By investing in local talent and encouraging creativity, individuality and leadership growth, he aims to contribute to the future of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry.

Prior to joining W Riyadh – KAFD, Daghlas served as Multi-Property General Manager for Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa. In this role, he successfully managed operations across both properties, driving guest engagement, team performance and business growth. His career also includes senior leadership positions at The St. Regis Amman and The Ritz-Carlton Doha, while earlier experiences included supporting operations at W Amman.

“There’s an incredible momentum happening in Riyadh right now creatively, culturally and socially and W Riyadh – KAFD sits right at the center of it,” said Fares Daghlas. “What excites me most is building a hotel culture that reflects that energy through the people, the experiences and the connections we create every day. Beyond the guest experience, I’m passionate about mentoring young Saudi talent and helping shape the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Kingdom.”

W Riyadh – KAFD features 210 stylish guestrooms and suites, elevated dining venues, the iconic W Lounge, the vibrant WET Deck and the signature AWAY Spa. Under Daghlas’ leadership, the hotel is poised to further strengthen its position as one of Riyadh’s premier luxury lifestyle destinations, reflecting the city’s growing influence on the global hospitality map.

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