Kerten Hospitality to Develop Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort in Dammam

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle operator known for its community-focused hotel and mixed-use concepts, has announced the signing of Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion across the Kingdom. The resort will become a key attraction along the Eastern Province waterfront, reinforcing the region’s growing prominence as a lifestyle and leisure destination.

A Visionary Waterfront Resort Shaped by Leading Saudi Design Talent

Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam is being designed by Zuhair Fayez Partnership under the leadership of Dr. Zuhair Hamed Fayez, one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential architects, who recently marked five decades of contribution to the Kingdom’s built environment. The resort forms part of a broader mixed-use masterplan that integrates hospitality, wellness, leisure and entertainment into a cohesive island destination.

A standout feature of the development will be its 74 overwater chalets, introducing a distinctive coastal resort experience to the Eastern Province and bringing one of the region’s most visually iconic hospitality concepts to life.

The property will also host Nyssa Beach, a dedicated ladies-only beach club incorporating spa and wellness facilities, fitness spaces, salon services and curated social and work areas — a concept designed to empower and inspire the women’s community of Dammam.

A New Benchmark for Dammam’s Waterfront Development

Marwan Al Qaydy, CEO of Koushan Real Estate Development Company, said: “The development of Al Murjan Island marks a defining milestone for us, as it brings to life one of Dammam’s most iconic mixed-use destinations. As a self-contained island, it is designed as a vibrant hub where hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle, and leisure seamlessly come together on a single world-class waterfront, redefining premium coastal hospitality in the Eastern Province. Our partnership with Kerten Hospitality reinforces our commitment to delivering unmatched quality and guest-centric service. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for hospitality in Dammam, ensuring every visitor to Al Murjan Island enjoys an experience defined by innovation, authenticity, and exceptional service.”

Strengthening Kerten Hospitality’s National Growth Strategy

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented: “Al Murjan Island represents the kind of purposeful destination that defines our vision for hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Together with Koushan Real Estate Development Company, we are shaping a place where creativity, culture and meaningful experiences come together in ways that genuinely reflect the local spirit. Bringing the Cloud 7 brand to Dammam marks an exciting step in our continued growth across the Kingdom.”

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, with demand driven by cultural tourism, emerging destinations and major Vision 2030 initiatives. Kerten Hospitality’s expanding portfolio now spans AlUla, Al Ahsa, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Yanbu and Riyadh, with further locations soon to be announced.

The company’s growth has been defined by innovative developments such as Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla, a restoration project recognised by TIME Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, the Michelin Guide, and Dubai Design Week for its architectural authenticity and cultural sensitivity.

Empowering Local Communities Through The Collective

A number of Kerten Hospitality’s projects are part of The Collective, a long-term partnership with the Ministry of Tourism aimed at accelerating lifestyle hospitality, fostering local talent, and cultivating creative and cultural ecosystems throughout the Kingdom.

Knippenberg added: “Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape is transforming at remarkable speed, and we are proud to play a role in that momentum. Cloud 7 Al Murjan Island Resort – Dammam further strengthens our commitment to creating meaningful destinations and it’s another milestone in an extraordinary national journey that is only just beginning.”

Locally Rooted Hospitality Across Diverse Saudi Landscapes

Kerten Hospitality operates through dedicated on-ground teams across Saudi Arabia, ensuring each destination, from coastal retreats to heritage hotels, mountain escapes and modern urban residences, reflects its local community, culture and environment. This locally attuned approach continues to anchor the company’s expansion as it delivers new lifestyle destinations across the Kingdom.