Accor has embarked on an ambitious journey in partnership with BinDawood Investment, through its hospitality arm Al Qimmah, to significantly expand its presence in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to develop a vast portfolio encompassing more than 3,000 hotel keys throughout the kingdom, including key locations in Makkah and Madinah. The strategic agreement signals a critical step in bolstering Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector in alignment with its Vision 2030 goals, enhancing the country’s role as a burgeoning tourism hub.
Strategic Development Plans
The master development agreement outlines an extensive rollout of Accor’s various brands, spanning premium, midscale, and economy offerings. This diverse portfolio will include city hotels, serviced apartments, and resorts, tailored specifically to accommodate the influx of religious tourists. Such strategic planning reflects Accor’s commitment to enriching the Saudi tourism landscape.
Flagship Projects in the Pipeline
The first phase of this extensive agreement features four notable flagship projects. Among these is a 288-key Swissôtel, strategically located near King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, scheduled to commence operations in 2029. Further enhancing this development is a 1,015-key Mövenpick hotel planned in Madinah, conveniently positioned for easy access to the Holy Mosque, also set to open in 2029.
Additionally, Accor will revamp two existing properties in Makkah. The 801-key ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah will undergo comprehensive renovations and is projected to reopen in 2027, alongside the 1,078-key Mercure Makkah Shesha, which will also be modernized during the same timeline.
Leadership Insights
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman of BinDawood Investment, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “Through BinDawood Investment and its subsidiaries, we are proud to be shaping a new chapter in the Kingdom’s hospitality journey. Our collaboration with Accor underscores our commitment to becoming a long-term leader in hospitality investment, creating destinations that will serve millions of visitors for many years to come.”
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, remarked on the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the Kingdom’s tourism objectives. He noted, “Our partnership with BinDawood Investment’s Al Qimmah Hospitality represents a shared commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism agenda. This agreement will deliver a diverse pipeline of projects, setting in motion the rollout of more than 3,000 keys and reinforcing Accor’s role as a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality transformation.”
O’Rourke added, “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.”
As it stands, Accor operates a robust network in Saudi Arabia, featuring 46 hotels and branded residences that collectively represent over 18,000 keys across 15 different brands, underlining its substantial influence in the region’s hospitality sector.