Photo Credit: Mohammad Abdullah.
From Singapore to the City of Roses: Mohammad Abdullah, General Manager of InterContinental Taif, shares his experience of Saudi Arabia’s transformation and its growing global tourism appeal.
When Singaporean hospitality professional Mohammad Abdullah arrived in Saudi Arabia in January 2020, he came seeking professional growth. Six years later, he says the Kingdom has shaped him “as a leader, as a steward of culture, and as a human being.” From Taif, he has witnessed a national transformation expressed not only through landmark projects and infrastructure, but also through people, pride and a renewed confidence in Saudi identity.
Nabataean civilisation. Photo Credit: Mohammad Abdullah.
“Vision 2030 is not simply a government blueprint, it is a profound cultural awakening,” he says. Hospitality occupies a place in this journey because “we are the first handshake between Saudi Arabia and the world.” Many international travellers once arrived with outdated perceptions of the Kingdom. Today, they discover a country confidently sharing its heritage, landscapes and aspirations. The most powerful impression, he believes, is often its warmth.
“Travellers arrive expecting spectacle, and Saudi Arabia delivers that in abundance. But what stays with them is the warmth of the Saudi people.”
For Abdullah, some of the most memorable experiences are found beyond Saudi Arabia’s major tourism projects. Taif, known as the City of Roses, offers visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom’s living heritage. During rose harvest season, guests can visit local farms and witness the traditional production of rose attar. Abdullah has seen visitors from Singapore, Europe and North America leave such experiences with a deeper appreciation of the country.
At InterContinental Taif, responsible tourism is embedded in daily operations. “Sustainability is not a department or a campaign, it is a philosophy,” he explains. The Green Key-certified hotel supports native tree planting, rose heritage conservation, foodsurplus redistribution and local sourcing.
Credit: Mohammad Abdullah.
The hotel has achieved 53 per cent Saudization and doubled female representation in leadership. It also works with farmers, artisans, spice merchants and regional producers.
“A hotel can and should be an engine of community prosperity, not just commercial success,” he says.
Looking ahead, Abdullah expects regenerative tourism, wellness, cultural immersion, personalised service and domestic travel to shape the industry. For him, the future of luxury is increasingly about meaningful experiences rather than opulence alone. “The traveller of the future is not looking for luxury defined by opulence alone. They are looking for luxury defined by meaning.”
His own journey also reflects the people-topeople connections created through international careers. By working in Saudi Arabia, Abdullah has gained a deeper understanding of the Kingdom while bringing his international hospitality perspective to a rapidly evolving sector.
As Saudi Arabia celebrates National Day 2026, his message to readers in Singapore and beyond is heartfelt: “Do not wait to discover Saudi Arabia.”
Visit Taif during rose season, explore the Red Sea, walk through historic Diriyah and experience diyafa at a Saudi table.
“Saudi Arabia is not just arriving on the global tourism map,” he concludes. “It is redefining the map entirely.”
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
