Marriott International has partnered with Al Qimmah Hospitality to significantly expand Saudi Arabia’s hotel market, with plans to add more than 2,700 new hotel rooms by 2026. The expansion, which includes five new properties across Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, marks a key milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism development strategy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen mid-range accommodation offerings to meet growing demand from pilgrims, business travelers, and leisure tourists.
Focus on Pilgrimage and Leisure Markets
Saudi Arabia continues to experience rising visitor numbers, particularly in religious tourism linked to Hajj and Umrah, alongside steady growth in business and leisure travel. Traditionally known for luxury hospitality, the Kingdom is now prioritizing accessible, high-quality mid-range hotels to serve a broader segment of travelers. The new developments are expected to ease accommodation pressure in major pilgrimage cities while improving affordability and comfort for visitors.
Four Marriott Brands to Anchor New Developments
The five upcoming hotels will operate under four internationally recognized Marriott brands: JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels, and Four Points Flex by Sheraton. Each brand has been selected to address specific market needs and traveler preferences.
JW Marriott properties will deliver premium experiences with upscale rooms, refined dining options, and wellness facilities, catering to high-end business and leisure guests. Four Points by Sheraton will target travelers seeking modern comfort and value-driven stays without compromising quality. Element Hotels will emphasize sustainability and extended-stay accommodation, offering eco-friendly features designed for longer visits. Meanwhile, Four Points Flex by Sheraton will provide adaptable, cost-efficient lodging tailored to the needs of today’s dynamic travelers.
Prime Locations in Key Saudi Cities
The new hotels will be strategically located in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, three cities central to Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth. Makkah and Madinah remain the heart of religious tourism, receiving millions of pilgrims annually, while Jeddah is rapidly emerging as a major business, cultural, and leisure hub. These locations ensure strong occupancy potential and support the Kingdom’s ambition to enhance visitor experiences across multiple segments.
Partnership Strengthening the Hospitality Sector
The collaboration brings together Marriott International’s global operational expertise and Al Qimmah Hospitality’s strong local market knowledge. Marriott has maintained a presence in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades, and this expansion reflects its growing emphasis on mid-range hospitality alongside its luxury portfolio. Al Qimmah Hospitality, backed by Bindawood Investment, offers deep insight into regional demand patterns, making the partnership well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The expansion is expected to generate thousands of employment opportunities across hotel operations, facility management, and support services. As tourism becomes a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, new hotel developments will play a vital role in job creation and skills development for Saudi nationals. The partnership is also anticipated to support hospitality training initiatives, helping build a skilled workforce to meet rising industry demand.
Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Infrastructure
With more than 2,700 new rooms set to enter the market, the Marriott–Al Qimmah collaboration represents a major boost to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality infrastructure. By expanding high-quality mid-range accommodation, the initiative supports the Kingdom’s goal of welcoming a greater number of international and domestic visitors while maintaining service excellence.
As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its tourism offerings under Vision 2030, this expansion positions the country as an increasingly competitive global destination, offering a balance of affordability, comfort, cultural richness, and modern hospitality standards.
