From grand palaces once frequented by European royalty during the height of imperial rule to luxurious mountain resorts nestled in scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks immortalized in classic films, novels, and historical events---many of the world’s most iconic heritage hotels are now owned by wealthy Arab businessmen.

These individuals, often from the oil-rich Gulf, have not only restored these architectural treasures but also transformed them into symbols of modern luxury. Their investments reflect a growing trend of Arab influence in the global hospitality industry, where heritage and opulence meet to redefine the hotel experience for today’s elite travellers.

Hôtel de Crillon

📍Paris, France
Owned by: Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah (Saudi Arabia)

Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1758, the Hôtel de Crillon served as the Paris residence of the Dukes of Crillon before being converted into a hotel in the early 20th century. Immortalized in Ernest Hemingway’s novels, the palace was purchased by Saudi Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah in 2010, and underwent a USD 300 million renovation led by Lebanese designer Aline Asmar d’Amman.

Mandarin Oriental, Madrid

📍Madrid, Spain
Owned by: Olayan Family (Saudi Arabia)

Built during the Belle Époque under King Alfonso XIII, this grand hotel was Madrid’s answer to London’s Ritz. Located near the Prado Museum, it is renowned for its opulent design and exclusivity. In 2015, Saudi billionaire Suliman S. Olayan’s Olayan Group acquired the hotel in a joint venture with Mandarin Oriental Group.

The Ritz, London

📍London, UK
Owned by: Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri (Qatar)

Since its 1906 opening, The Ritz has been synonymous with British high society. In 2020, Qatari businessman Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri, brother-in-law of Qatar’s Emir, purchased the hotel for GBP 800 million from the Barclay brothers.

Hotel Imperial, Vienna

📍Vienna, Austria
Owned by: Khalaf Ahmed Abtour (UAE)

Built in Neo-Renaissance style for the Duke of Württemberg, Hotel Imperial quickly became Vienna’s most prestigious hotel. Purchased in 2016 by Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, the property is famous for its marble halls, grand chandeliers, and its connection to history—Adolf Hitler worked as a day laborer here in his youth.

The Plaza Hotel, New York

📍New York, USA
Owned by: Katara Hospitality (Qatar)

An architectural icon overlooking Central Park since 1907, The Plaza Hotel became part of Qatar’s Katara Hospitality portfolio in 2018 after a history marked by ownership changes, including a bankrupt tenure under Donald Trump.

The Chedi Andermatt

📍Andermatt, Switzerland

Owned by: Samih Sawiris (Egypt)

Opened in 2013, The Chedi Andermatt turned a quaint Swiss village into a luxury hub. Developed by Egyptian businessman Samih Sawiris’s Orascom Hotel Management, the USD 1 billion project includes two luxury hotels and provides access to the Swiss Alps’ finest ski slopes, 1,400 meters above sea level.

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