Saudi Arabia: Marriott inks agreement for 3 new hotels in Madinah

Marriott International has secured a deal with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three hotels in Madinah, further bolstering its presence in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.

The three properties will collectively offer over 1,200 rooms and will be part of the KEC master development, a massive project designed to diversify and modernise the city’s economy.

The new hotels will operate under Marriott’s Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott brands, catering to a range of traveller needs.

The planned openings are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance the kingdom’s tourism infrastructure and promote economic diversification.

Amin Shaker, chairman of Knowledge Economic City, expressed pride in the collaboration, saying, “We remain committed to advancing the hospitality sector in Madinah by bringing the highest standards of accommodation, innovation and guest experiences to the Holy City. We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to set new hospitality benchmarks in Madinah and support the kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework.”

Strategic growth in the Holy City

The three hotels will be located within KEC’s Islamic World District, a key component of the 6.8-million-square-metre development.

This district will feature a museum, cultural centre, and plaza dedicated to showcasing Islamic cultures from around the world. The KEC master plan also includes a mix of hospitality, residential, retail, and commercial spaces, along with sports and recreational facilities. The district will be connected to the Haramain Train Station, linking Madinah to Jeddah and Makkah via a high-speed railway.

Jerome Briet, chief development officer for Europe, the Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, highlighted the demand for quality hotel accommodations in the Holy Cities.

“We continue to see growth opportunities across the Holy Cities where there remains a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation. Knowledge Economic City is a pivotal project that will further help diversify Madinah’s economy and create a destination that provides a variety of experiences for travellers and celebrates the cultural and religious identity of the Holy City,” Briet said.

“We look forward to working with KEC to enhance the hospitality landscape in Madinah and support the ongoing transformation of the country’s tourism sector,” Briet added.

Marriott International hotels’ features and facilities

The Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will feature 456 guest rooms, two dining outlets, meeting facilities, a fitness centre, and communal spaces for relaxation and connection.

The Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City is set to offer 558 rooms along with multiple dining options, meeting spaces, and a fitness centre.

Residence Inn by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will provide 250 residential-style units, including studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all equipped with kitchens and large bathrooms. The property will also feature a 24/7 grab-and-go market and a fitness centre.

Madinah’s Role in Vision 2030

Madinah has long been a central hub for religious tourism, attracting millions of Muslim visitors each year. The city is increasingly becoming a focal point for cultural, economic, and infrastructure development as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and bolster the tourism sector. This includes expanding hospitality services, enhancing the city’s cultural and recreational offerings, and improving overall infrastructure.

Mohammad Al Mubarak, CEO of Knowledge Economic City, noted the significance of the partnership with Marriott in realising KEC’s vision for Madinah.

“Knowledge Economic City is committed to offering an unparalleled lifestyle and hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike, and this milestone agreement is a testament to the high standards of excellence we plan to bring to the master development and Madinah as a destination,” he said.

“Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott each offer a unique travel experience, and we are excited to add these brands to our portfolio. These hotels will play an important role in accommodating the influx of travellers into the Holy City,” Al Mubarak added.

The deal is part of Marriott’s broader expansion in Saudi Arabia, where the company’s portfolio currently includes over 40 properties and more than 10,000 rooms across 13 brands.

Read: Marriott International to launch new W Hotels property in Riyadh