Conferences, galas, product launches and board meetings for groups of 6 to 1,000 people can be organized at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, a palace-style hotel on Mekkah Road in the Al Hada area of the Saudi capital. The hotel lists 10 event rooms and 6 breakout rooms, and its two largest spaces each hold 1,000 guests.
Seminars and company events
The hotel sits close to the Diplomatic Quarter and the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center, which makes it a practical base for delegates attending a convention there. A dedicated meeting services team handles room set-up and audiovisual equipment. A business center with 24-hour access offers printing, shipping and secretarial support, and the hotel can arrange professional translation. Outside suppliers can be brought in, subject to approval and the hotel's own rules. Two tiered amphitheaters suit keynotes and training sessions: the Auditorium seats 418 and the Symposium 243.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings take place in Ballroom A or Ballroom B, each sized for up to 1,000 guests, with smaller halls for additional ceremonies. Both ballrooms were designed with ladies' weddings in mind: wood, fabric and mirror wall coverings, chandeliers, handmade ceiling details, a private guest entrance and two abaya counters. A bridal suite is available on the day for preparation, and the couple spends the wedding night in the Royal Suite. Marriott Certified Wedding Planners help with the venue, menu, decoration and guest room bookings.
Rooms and capacities
Ballroom A and Ballroom B each cover about 19,900 square feet. Each takes 1,000 guests theater-style or standing, 800 at banquet tables and 600 in classroom layout. Meeting Room A&B takes 300 theater-style, 250 standing and 200 at banquet. Boardrooms 1 to 3 seat 20 to 40 theater-style and 10 to 12 around a conference table, and Boardroom 4 suits a meeting of six to eight. The event spaces feature domed and painted ceilings, chandeliers, Arabian arches and daylight.
Accommodation
Guest rooms and suites overlook the city or the hotel grounds. Club rooms measure 43 square meters with a work area, and the one-bedroom Executive Club Suite measures 101 square meters with separate living and sleeping rooms. The Club Level is temporarily closed. Guests can use a spa with three treatment rooms, a fitness center and an indoor pool. Check-in is at 3 pm and checkout at noon.
Catering
Banquets are prepared by the hotel kitchens under the Executive Chef. Wedding buffets cover hot and cold mezze, salads, seafood, live cooking and carving stations, and Middle Eastern and international desserts, with menus adapted to dietary needs. On site, Al Orjouan serves an all-day buffet, Chorisia Lounge serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and Azzurro serves Italian food. A cigar lounge and a six-lane bowling alley of 1,000 square meters suit evening programs.
History and setting
The hotel stands in 52 acres of landscaped gardens planted with palms and 600-year-old olive trees. Its architecture takes its cues from a grand palace. The property holds Green Key certification.
Getting there
King Khalid International Airport is about 44 km away. The hotel runs no airport shuttle but can arrange a limousine, private car or van on request. Parking is free, with valet service and space for more than 400 cars, and a dedicated entrance serves the ballrooms. VIA Riyadh is within walking distance.