RAFFLES JEDDAH APPOINTS FREDRIK BLOMQVIST AS GENERAL MANAGER AHEAD OF ITS ANTICIPATED OPENING
The highly anticipated Raffles Jeddah, a breathtaking new landmark poised to become the beating heart of the city, has announced the appointment of Fredrik Blomqvist as General Manager.
With over 25 years of international luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record of success across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the United States, Blomqvist’s ability to blend operational excellence with cultural authenticity positions him to elevate Raffles Jeddah as The Kingdom’s newest iconic destination along the Corniche, overlooking the Red Sea.
A seasoned hotelier, Blomqvist brings a wealth of global experience to Raffles Jeddah, including over 16 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where he played a key role in opening and transforming flagship properties in Bengaluru, Shanghai, and Philadelphia, earning Michelin recognition, top industry rankings, and exceptional guest satisfaction scores.
Known for repositioning iconic luxury hotels and branded residences, he has delivered results in cities such as Dublin, Guangzhou, Chiang Mai, Jakarta, and Madrid.
Most recently, he led the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first luxury resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes by Red Sea Global, achieving LEED Platinum certification, a 30% female workforce participation, and accolades including Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Go in 2024 and the World Spa Award for Best Spa Design. His reputation for excellence, innovation, and operational leadership continues to define his career in the luxury hospitality space.
“With his extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape, Fredrik is exceptionally well-positioned to elevate every aspect of the guest experience at Raffles Jeddah, creating the enchanted and glamorous spirit for which the Raffles brand is known.
We are confident that his visionary approach and dedication to service excellence will inspire our team, delight our guests, and reinforce Raffles Jeddah’s reputation as the premier luxury address in the destination,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Blomqvist’s expertise in the Saudi Arabian market is particularly noteworthy, having achieved several key milestones throughout his tenure in the Kingdom as General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes including, earning sustainability certifications, meeting ambitious workforce diversity goals, and gaining international acclaim.
His deep understanding of the region’s cultural dynamics, combined with his commitment to delivering world-class service and driving sustainable growth, positions him uniquely to bring the vision of Raffles Jeddah to life, establishing it as a benchmark for luxury and excellence in the region.
“It is a great privilege to lead the opening of Raffles Jeddah, an ultra-luxury hotel and residences that promises to redefine the city’s luxury hospitality landscape through a unique blend of culture, attentive and personalized service with a vibrant authentic dining scene. I am sincerely thankful for this unique opportunity and grateful to be working closely with ERTH our ownership partners.
As The Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and enrich its tourism offerings, this highly anticipated opening contributes meaningfully to the region’s growth in luxury travel and continues the legendary legacy of the Raffles brand.” said Blomqvist.
Raffles Jeddah is slated to open in Q4 2025, offering refined experiences in hospitality, wellness, gastronomy, and design, upholding the Raffles’ legacy of elegance and bespoke service.
