In a landmark collaboration, Accor and Al Qimmah, a division of BinDawood Investment, have initiated plans to develop an impressive portfolio of 3,000 hotel keys throughout Saudi Arabia. This venture signifies a substantial commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape and bolstering its tourism sector, particularly in renowned cities such as Makkah and Madinah.
Overview of the Development Agreement
Accor has formalized a master development agreement with BinDawood Investment, through its hospitality subsidiary, Al Qimmah. This strategic alliance aims to create and manage over 3,000 hotel keys across various locations within Saudi Arabia, effectively integrating premium, midscale, and economy brands into the local market. Noteworthy projects encompass both urban hotels and properties tailored for religious tourism.
Flagship Projects in Key Locations
The first phase of this extensive project includes four prominent developments. Notably, a 288-key Swissôtel is set to be located in Jeddah, conveniently close to King Abdulaziz International Airport, with an anticipated opening in 2029. Additionally, a 1,015-key Mövenpick property is planned for Madinah, strategically situated near Abu Bakr Al Siddiq Road and in proximity to the Holy Mosque, also scheduled to open in 2029.
Moreover, two existing properties in Makkah will undergo significant renovations. The 801-key ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah is set to be completely revitalized, with a reopening date targeted for 2027. Similarly, the 1,078-key Mercure Makkah Shesha will experience renovations and anticipates reopening in the same year.
Vision for the Future of Hospitality in Saudi Arabia
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman, remarked, “Through BinDawood Investment and its subsidiaries, we are proud to be shaping a new chapter in the Kingdom’s hospitality journey. Our partnership with Accor underscores our commitment to becoming a long-term leader in hospitality investment, building on our retail legacy to create destinations that will serve millions of visitors for many years to come. These developments are part of a generational outlook ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global tourism.”
Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor, emphasized the shared commitment within this partnership. He stated, “Our partnership with BinDawood Investment’s Al Qimmah Hospitality represents a shared commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism agenda, one defined by innovation, scale, and cultural resonance. Through this agreement, we will deliver a diverse pipeline of projects, with the first launch setting in motion the rollout of more than 3,000 keys, strengthening Accor’s position as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality transformation in line with Vision 2030.”
“Our portfolio will set new benchmarks for religious and leisure travel, enhancing the experience for millions of visitors, and cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism leader for decades to come,” he added.
Current Operations in Saudi Arabia
As of now, Accor operates a total of 46 hotels and branded residences in Saudi Arabia, representing over 18,000 keys distributed across 15 distinguished brands. This significant footprint sets the stage for their ambitious expansion plans, contributing to the broader vision of fostering a vibrant tourism sector.