Marriott International to Open Three New Hotels in Madinah, Expanding Saudi Presence
RIYADH, December 11, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Marriott International has announced ambitious plans to strengthen its footprint in Saudi Arabia, unveiling a partnership with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three new hotels in Madinah. This strategic move aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing the cultural, religious, and economic appeal of the Holy City.
Elevating Hospitality in Madinah
The collaboration between Marriott and KEC will introduce 1,200 hotel rooms across three globally recognized brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott. These properties will be located within KEC's expansive Islamic World District, a master-development project designed to create a world-class destination for pilgrims and travelers.
Each hotel will cater to distinct traveler needs, offering a mix of contemporary design, tailored services, and modern amenities:
Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City: Featuring 456 well-designed rooms, two dining outlets, meeting facilities, a fitness center, and public spaces for relaxation and networking.
Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City: Providing a casual yet refined experience with 558 modern guestrooms, multiple dining options, and recreational amenities.
Residence Inn by Marriott Knowledge Economic City: Offering a home - away - from - home experience with 250 apartments, equipped with full kitchens and spacious bathrooms, complemented by a 24/7 market and fitness center.
Driving Cultural and Economic Growth
The Islamic World District, where these hotels will be located, aims to highlight Islamic heritage and cultural diversity. The district will include a museum, cultural center, and plaza that celebrates Islamic traditions worldwide. Spanning 6.8 million square meters, KEC's development also includes:
Residential, retail, and commercial spaces
Sports and recreational facilities
Advanced healthcare and educational institutions.
The development's strategic location near the Haramain Train Station further enhances accessibility, connecting Madinah to Jeddah and Makkah via high-speed rail.
Mohammad Al Mubarak, CEO of KEC, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
"Knowledge Economic City is committed to offering an unparalleled lifestyle and hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike. These hotels will play a vital role in accommodating the growing number of travelers to the Holy City"
Supporting Vision 2030 and Tourism Growth
The expansion underscores Marriott International's dedication to Saudi Arabia's evolving tourism sector, which is projected to growth substantially under Vision 2030. The Kingdom's framework aims to diversify the economy, improve infrastructure, and attract millions of religious and leisure travelers annually.
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marrott International, remarked:
"Knowledge Economic City is pivotal in diversifying Madinah's economy. We are thrilled to collaborate with KEC to enhance the hospitality landscape and support the country's ongoing transformation".
Marriott's current presence in Saudi Arabia includes 40 properties across 13 brands, with more than 10,000 rooms. The openings in Madinah reflect Marriott's continued commitment to providing high-quality accommodations in the Holy Cities.
A Sustainable and Tech - Driven Vision
KEC's master-development integrates technology, sustainability, and knowledge as its core pillars. These elements not only align with Vision 2030 but also create a destination designed for the future - fostering innovation and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, stated:
"Under the leadership of His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we remain committed to advancing Madinah's hospitality sector and setting new benchmarks in guest experiences".
Anticipating a Transformative Future
With the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott, Madinah's hospitality sector is set for a transformative boost. These hotels promise to offer unparalleled comfort, innovation, and cultural engagement, attracting a diverse array of visitors while contributing to the Kingdom's broader economic and tourism goals.
The first phase of this project marks a pivotal step in Madinah's journey to becoming a leading global destination, blending its rich heritage with modern hospitality standards.