Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism expansion receives a major boost as Marriott International partners with Al Qimmah Hospitality to introduce over 2,700 new hotel rooms across Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to establish tourism as a core economic pillar and attract millions of visitors annually. By enhancing accommodation capacity in both religious and coastal hubs, the collaboration is set to support surging pilgrim and leisure travel demand.
Strategic Locations Drive Tourism Accessibility
The new projects target key destinations central to Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. In Jeddah, JW Marriott Jeddah, The Apartments on Jeddah Corniche Road will feature 356 studios and apartments equipped with kitchens, pools, fitness centers, and family-friendly facilities. Its proximity to major landmarks ensures convenient access for tourists, particularly those on extended stays.
In Makkah, Four Points by Sheraton Shesha will introduce 1,030 rooms near Masjid Al Haram, directly catering to pilgrims during peak seasons. Similarly, Madinah will see the addition of Four Points by Sheraton Madinah King Fahd Road with 800 rooms and Four Points Flex by Sheraton Madinah Hijrah Road with 450 rooms in Al Amariyah district. These additions mark Marriott’s strategic entry into midscale hospitality and address critical accommodation gaps, supporting Saudi Arabia’s target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
Diverse Brand Portfolio Enhances Tourism Experience
Marriott’s varied brand offerings cater to different tourism segments. Element Madinah Sultana Road will provide 136 studios and apartments with in-room kitchens, spa bathrooms, fitness centers, and wellness-focused amenities such as Rise breakfast options. This encourages health-conscious tourism and longer visitor stays.
Four Points properties focus on practical luxury, with high room counts ensuring scalability during peak periods. The introduction of Four Points Flex expands midscale options, making quality stays more accessible to budget-conscious travelers. Across all properties, modern facilities, including dining venues, pools, and kids’ clubs, blend comfort with cultural and religious tourism needs.
Vision 2030 Alignment Supercharges Growth
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, leveraging cultural and natural assets for national prosperity. Last year alone, the Kingdom reported $36 billion in tourism revenues and a 656% surge in leisure arrivals, exceeding expectations. The Marriott-Al Qimmah collaboration supports these goals by reinforcing hospitality infrastructure and creating jobs, while also advancing sustainable tourism through eco-friendly hotel designs aligned with projects like Amaala and Red Sea Global.
Economic and Visitor Impact
The addition of over 2,700 rooms will alleviate accommodation shortages in high-demand cities, improving visitor experiences and encouraging repeat tourism. The expanded capacity is expected to increase tourism revenues further, complementing the sector’s 11.5% contribution to GDP and $171 billion in total economic value.
Family-oriented and wellness amenities will diversify tourism offerings beyond Hajj and Umrah, attracting leisure travelers and budget-conscious international visitors. Strategic locations along Jeddah’s Corniche and near Madinah’s mosques enhance year-round tourism appeal, while midscale properties democratize access to quality lodging.
Future Outlook for Saudi Tourism
The partnership between Al Qimmah Hospitality, a BinDawood Investment arm, and Marriott signals continued investment in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector. These five projects reflect a sustained commitment to Vision 2030, ensuring infrastructure readiness as Saudi Arabia targets 150 million annual visitors.
With Jeddah’s coastal appeal, Makkah’s spiritual significance, and Madinah’s historical prominence now supported by modern, sustainable accommodations, Saudi Arabia is positioned as a global tourism powerhouse. By blending tradition with world-class hospitality, the Kingdom is set to redefine visitor experiences while driving economic growth and tourism innovation.
