With a career that began on the frontlines as a night manager in Aqaba in 1994, Basel Talal has built one of the most compelling growth stories in regional hospitality. Today, he leads Radisson Hotel Group’s operations and expansion across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Levant, a region with more than 50 hotels open or in development.
Basel has been instrumental in crafting and executing a growth blueprint that will see the Group double its regional portfolio by 2030, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs in the process. Under his leadership, Radisson has kept every project on brand and on schedule, including high-profile launches such as the Radisson Collection Residences Riyadh, Radisson Collection Residence Amman Abdoun and Radisson RED Amman Downtown, alongside two Park Inn properties in Madinah’s Islamic World District.
A key milestone under Basel’s leadership was the May 2025 MoU with the Saudi Tourism Authority, aligning Radisson’s footprint with the Kingdom’s goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030. The partnership includes collaborative Visit Saudi campaigns and further cements the brand’s long-term commitment to the region.
Basel is equally committed to local talent development. He champions ABJAD, a fast-track career programme designed to elevate supervisors to managers within 18 months. With this initiative, Radisson aims to achieve 42% Saudi employment and significantly increase female leadership beyond the current 16% by 2028.
From navigating hotels through the global financial crisis to opening Radisson’s Riyadh office, Basel Talal’s leadership blends commercial strategy with deep regional insight. His impact spans operational excellence, strategic partnerships and workforce transformation making him a true hospitality heavyweight.
