ADDarah and the future of Saudi hospitality

Arabian Business

31-03-2025

At the intersection of Dhahran, Al Khobar, and Dammam, ADDarah emerges not just as a venue but as where Saudi Arabia is rewriting the rules of hospitality, one meticulously planned event at a time. Designed as a cornerstone of the region's events and tourism ecosystem, this flagship project isn't just responding to demand – it's setting the pace.
In just 11 days during Ramadan, ADDarah hosted over 8,000 guests. Notable names like Aramco, Al Juffali, Zamil, AlMajdouie, and Bank AlJazira were among the first to experience what the venue offers: precision, capacity, and a deep understanding of what high-end hospitality requires today. These figures, shared by Khaled Albahussain, Business Unit Head of Hospitality, hint at the scale and ambition shaping ADDarah's trajectory.
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ADDarah's design reflects a clear sense of purpose. The 4,000-square-metre hall can accommodate over 5,000 guests, with six breakout rooms and premium catering services that serve large-scale functions on-site or off. The architecture includes four flexible sections, 24 rigging points per area for exhibitions, and a ceiling height of nine metres – adding a sense of scale without sacrificing comfort.
But it's not just a question of facilities. What's emerging here is a model for how the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) can evolve in step with Vision 2030. ADDarah is both a platform and a signal: the Eastern Province is open for serious business.
The company behind ADDarah is thinking beyond a single venue. Its strategy includes horizontal expansion into Riyadh and Jeddah within three years, while also pursuing vertical growth by managing and developing new high-end properties. This dual approach – scaling across cities while deepening the portfolio – is a deliberate move to build staying power, not just presence.
Crucially, the brand understands the power of relationships. ADDarah is building long-term and short-term partnerships with major players across sectors. These aren't just transactional alignments – they're the connective tissue of a hospitality sector designed to serve everything from national events to corporate gatherings, exhibitions to private functions. As part of Mofarreh Marzouq Al-Harbi & Partners Co. Ltd, ADDarah also benefits from the backing of a diversified parent company with deep roots in the Kingdom's economic landscape.
It helps, too, that the venue is easily accessible from Dhahran, Al Khobar and Dammam, with free parking and no traffic bottlenecks. The logistics match the vision: seamless, thoughtful, and grounded in the needs of both organisers and guests.
ADDarah is not announcing a future – it is operating it. In every detail, from layout to location, it reflects a country refining its sense of welcome, on its own terms and at a scale that works.