Built in 1943 by King Abdulaziz for his son, Crown Prince Saud, The Red Palace holds significant historical importance in Saudi Arabia.
Located in Al-Futah, it marked Riyadh’s first reinforced concrete structure, a milestone in the kingdom’s architectural history. Furthermore, throughout its illustrious past, The Red Palace hosted international receptions and royal banquets.
Moreover, later, it served as the Council of Ministers’ headquarters for over three decades. It also housed the Court of Grievances until 2002. Recently, Boutique Group acquired The Red Palace, reaffirming its dedication to preserving cultural properties and promoting Saudi Arabian heritage.
In 2022, Aedas Middle East won a highly contested design competition to reimagine this historical structure into an ultra-luxury boutique hotel, fusing the past with the future to re-establish The Red Palace as a global icon that celebrates the history and splendor of a bygone era.
Ignacio Gomez, global design principal at Aedas, stated: “Our design aims not to simply recreate a physical space but rather to evoke a sense of time. We want to create an experience that would transport visitors to a different era.”
Aedas will collaborate closely with Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer to expand and redesign the property. The Red Palace expansion aims to offer over 70 keys, eight spa suites and five high-end restaurants and cafes.
Moreover, significant attention is devoted to designing new buildings to harmonize with existing structures and blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Additionally, traditional elements blend with innovative glass and stone cladding, infusing modern interpretations into the design language seamlessly. Finally, the interior design enforces The Red Palace as an essential symbol of the history of King Saud and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, visitors can expect an unparalleled experience, with world-class amenities including a spa, fitness center, restaurants, event spaces and personalized butler service.
The Red Palace boutique hotel is expected to be open to visitors by 2025. The hotel will authentically recreate the past, featuring an exterior reflecting Saudi heritage and interiors rivaling the world’s most luxurious resorts.
