Crowne Plaza Madinah To Open in 2026
IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to significantly enhance its presence in Saudi Arabia with the upcoming launch of a 383-room Crowne Plaza hotel in Madinah. Slated to open in 2026, the Crowne Plaza Madinah Al Haramain will join nine existing Crowne Plaza properties in the Kingdom, with five more currently in the development pipeline, underscoring IHG's robust growth strategy in the region.
This new Crowne Plaza boasts a highly strategic location, positioned just steps from the revered Prophet’s Mosque. Directly opposite the new Haramain high-speed railway station, it will offer guests unparalleled direct access to Makkah and Jeddah via a convenient underground tunnel. The 383-key hotel is being developed in partnership with Arbah Tayba Real Estate Company and will form part of a dynamic mixed-use development. Its proximity to major initiatives such as Knowledge Economic City and Rua Al Madinah – the latter designed to transform the area east of the Prophet’s Mosque into a modern hub of hospitality and culture – further enhances its appeal.
The launch comes at a time of significant growth for Madinah's tourism sector. Visitor numbers to the Holy City surged by 18.7% in 2024, reaching 18 million, as Madinah actively targets 30 million visitors by 2030. This ambitious goal is fueled by increasing interest in its more than 400 religious, historical, and cultural landmarks.
The new Crowne Plaza will offer 383 contemporary rooms and suites, complemented by two distinctive dining outlets, all meticulously designed to foster connection and wellbeing among guests. Facilities throughout the hotel will prioritize comfort and flexibility, focusing on seamless check-in processes, inviting communal areas, and dedicated spaces for both productivity and rest.
Commenting on this strategic development, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East and Africa, stated: "This partnership with Arbah Tayba Real Estate Company to introduce Crowne Plaza Madinah Al Haramain is the latest milestone in our growing Saudi portfolio and further underlines our commitment to the Kingdom."
Madinah’s hospitality sector is currently experiencing a sharp upswing, with the number of licensed facilities soaring to over 450 in 2024 – a remarkable 93% year-on-year increase. The city now boasts more than 20,600 hotel rooms and reports industry-leading occupancy rates, reaching over 81% in early 2025. For hotels in Madinah, visit this section.
This expansion aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to deliver over 362,000 new hotel rooms nationwide by the end of the decade, with 42,800 rooms currently under contract across the Kingdom. IHG's robust activity in Saudi Arabia includes 45 hotels operating under 6 brands, with ambitious expansion plans targeting over 50 new properties and 15,000 additional rooms by 2030.
Crowne Plaza properties in Saudi Arabia include:
