Marriott International to open three hotels in Madinah

SAUDI ARABIA – Marriott International has announced plans to open three new hotels in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of a partnership with Knowledge Economic City (KEC).

This collaboration aims to enhance the hospitality landscape in the city while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.

These projects will bring over 1,200 rooms to the city, spread across three of Marriott’s popular brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott.

Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, shared the vision for the initiative, stating, “With guidance from His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we aim to elevate the hospitality sector in Madinah, delivering exceptional guest experiences and advancing our city’s development.”

Each hotel caters to different segments of travelers. Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will feature 456 guest rooms, meeting spaces, dining outlets, and areas designed for relaxation and interaction.

The Four Points by Sheraton will house 558 guest rooms and offer a casual, welcoming environment with dining and fitness amenities. Meanwhile, the Residence Inn by Marriott is tailored for longer stays, offering 250 studios and apartments with kitchens, plus 24/7 dining and fitness facilities.

These properties will be part of KEC’s Islamic World District, which will include a cultural center, a museum, and spaces celebrating Islamic heritage.

The area will also benefit from its connection to the Haramain High-Speed Railway, facilitating travel between Madinah, Jeddah, and Makkah.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International, highlighted the strategic importance of these developments.

“This project will help diversify Madinah’s economy while providing guests with high-quality accommodations. Our collaboration with KEC underscores Marriott’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global tourism hub.”

The opening of these hotels aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural and economic growth. By expanding hospitality services and creating attractions, the Kingdom aims to cater to the increasing influx of visitors.

KEC’s CEO, Mohammad Al Mubarak, commented on the significance of the agreement. “These hotels will not only cater to travelers but also enrich the city’s offerings, further establishing Madinah as a destination of choice.”

This announcement follows Marriott International’s recent decision to renew its partnership with IRIS Software Systems, a collaboration focused on enhancing guest experiences through mobile dining solutions.

The technology, integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy app, has significantly improved service efficiency, reduced wait times, and boosted food and beverage revenue.

Jami Meier, Director of Outlets at Kansas City Marriott Downtown, noted the impact of this digital innovation, stating, “The IRIS platform has transformed our operations, enabling seamless service and elevating guest satisfaction.”

Marriott currently operates over 40 properties in Saudi Arabia, with more than 10,000 rooms across 13 brands.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.