Accor Signs Deal to Develop and Manage Over 3,000 Keys in Saudi Arabia
The French hospitality major, Accor, is significantly expanding its footprint across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after securing a major master development agreement with BinDawood Investment, through its specialized subsidiary Al Qimmah Hospitality.
This strategic pact involves the development and long-term management of over 3,000 new hotel rooms across Saudi Arabia, with key projects slated for the major holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Under the terms of the deal, Accor plans to roll out multiple brands spanning its premium, midscale, and economy categories. The planned developments are diverse, including city hotels, serviced apartments, resorts, and properties specifically focused on accommodating religious visitors, according to information sourced from Zawya.
Dr. Abdulrazzaq BinDawood, Chairman of BinDawood Holding, highlighted the long-term vision behind the partnership: "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."
Four Major Projects Kick-Off Partnership
The initial phase of the collaboration includes 4 major development projects:
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Jeddah New Build: A new Swissôtel property near King Abdulaziz International Airport is planned, featuring 288 rooms. It is scheduled to commence operations in 2029.
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Madinah New Build: A second new-build, a Mövenpick hotel offering 1,015 keys, will open in the north-west of the city in 2029.
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Makkah Renovation (ibis Styles): The existing 801-room hotel is set for a full renovation and rebranding to become an ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah by 2027.
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Makkah Renovation (Mercure): The 1,078-room property will undergo refurbishment and reopen as the Mercure Makkah Shesha in 2027.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy division for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, emphasized the group's strategic alignment with the Kingdom's national goals. "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," he stated. "Our portfolio will set new benchmarks for religious and leisure travel, enhancing the experience for millions of visitors, and cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism leader for decades to come."
Here are a few notable examples of Accor-branded hotels currently operating in Saudi Arabia, particularly focusing on those in Makkah and Madinah:
Accor Hotels in Makkah
- Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel: One of the most iconic towers in the Abraj Al Bait complex.
- Raffles Makkah Palace: A luxury, all-suite property near the Grand Mosque.
- Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah
- Swissôtel Makkah
- Pullman ZamZam Makkah
- Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah
Accor Hotels in Madinah
- Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel
- Pullman Zamzam Madinah
- Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah
Accor Hotels in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities
- Fairmont Riyadh (Riyadh)
- Mövenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah (Jeddah)
- Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche (Al Khobar)
- Banyan Tree AlUla (AlUla)
These examples represent the range of brands Accor operates, from the luxury Fairmont and Raffles brands to the premium Swissôtel and Pullman, and the upper-midscale Mövenpick and Novotel properties.
