Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF has announced that its key hospitality unit, Boutique Group, has appointed the lead architect and interior designer for a landmark project that aims to transform a historic royal palace into an ultra-luxury hotel in Riyadh.

PIF said the award-winning international firm Aedas along with Tristan Auer, an interior and emotion architect, will be designing The Red Palace – one of the three royal palaces Boutique Group is transforming into world-class ultra-luxury hotels in Saudi Arabia.

The Red Palace was constructed in the early 1940s by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founding monarch of Saudi Arabia, to serve as the residence and administrative centre for his son, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.Notably, it was the country’s first concrete building, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s architectural history.

Throughout its history, The Red Palace hosted international receptions and royal banquets.

Located in the heart of old Riyadh, The Red Palace will offer more than 70 keys, 26 deluxe rooms, 44 luxury suites, a royal suite and public event spaces, eight spa suites, and five high-end food and beverages outlets.

Apart from this, Boutique Group is also transforming Tuwaiq Palace, an architectural landmark in Riyadh, and AlHamra Palace in Jeddah.