Saudi Arabia Joins UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt in Accelerating Middle East Tourism Growth as Marriott and Blacksand Unveil Landmark Ten-Hotel Hospitality Expansion Across the Kingdom

Written By: Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

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June 26, 2026 4:51 PM

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Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing tourism destinations after Riyadh-based Blacksand and Marriott International signed a landmark agreement to develop ten new hotels across the Kingdom. Announced during the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia, the partnership represents more than 1,300 hotel rooms spanning luxury, premium, select-service and extended-stay accommodation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s tourism diversification strategy while supporting Vision 2030. The large-scale hospitality investment reflects increasing international confidence in the Kingdom’s expanding travel market, placing Saudi Arabia alongside regional tourism leaders including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.

The multi-brand agreement also highlights Marriott International’s long-term commitment to expanding its footprint across Saudi Arabia while introducing globally recognized hospitality brands tailored to evolving traveler preferences. With phased hotel openings planned through 2030 and the first property expected to debut in Riyadh, the development is projected to create more than 6,000 full-time jobs, with at least 60 percent allocated to Saudi nationals. The collaboration is expected to strengthen business travel, leisure tourism, extended-stay demand and luxury hospitality while supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding visitor economy.

Saudi Arabia Expands Hospitality Investment Through Marriott and Blacksand Partnership

Marriott International and Blacksand have entered into a long-term strategic agreement to develop ten hotels across Saudi Arabia over the next four years. The project will add more than 1,300 rooms across multiple destinations, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading tourism and investment hub.

The partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism transformation by introducing internationally recognized hotel brands while creating modern hospitality experiences that align with evolving traveler expectations.

Marriott Introduces Multiple Brands Across Saudi Arabia

The agreement covers several Marriott International brands spanning luxury, premium, lifestyle and extended-stay segments. This diversified portfolio is designed to attract business travelers, families, leisure tourists and long-stay guests visiting the Kingdom.

New Hotels Will Support Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision

The projects are currently progressing through design planning and early construction. Hotels will be developed across multiple Saudi cities, beginning with Riyadh before expanding into additional destinations.

The developments are intended to complement Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism infrastructure by increasing accommodation capacity for domestic travelers, international tourists, corporate visitors and major global events.

Employment and Economic Benefits

Beyond expanding accommodation options, the partnership is expected to generate substantial economic benefits across Saudi Arabia.

More than 6,000 full-time jobs are anticipated upon completion of the developments. Importantly, at least 60 percent of these employment opportunities will be allocated to Saudi nationals, supporting workforce development and national employment objectives.

Marriott and Blacksand Strengthen Long-Term Tourism Collaboration

Executives from both organizations described the agreement as a significant milestone in supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

Blacksand emphasized that the partnership reflects its ambition to develop world-class hospitality assets while delivering long-term value and exceptional guest experiences. Marriott International highlighted that the agreement aligns with its strategy to diversify its Saudi portfolio by introducing immersive resorts, design-focused hotels, social hospitality spaces and extended-stay accommodation that meet changing traveler preferences.

The companies also confirmed that this agreement establishes the foundation for additional hospitality developments across Saudi Arabia as tourism demand continues to grow.

Saudi Arabia Continues Building a Global Tourism Destination

The Marriott-Blacksand partnership represents another major investment supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions. As the Kingdom continues attracting international hotel operators, airlines, entertainment projects and tourism infrastructure investments, new accommodation capacity remains essential for sustaining visitor growth.

With globally recognized hotel brands entering additional Saudi destinations, travelers can expect a broader selection of luxury, premium and extended-stay experiences while business and leisure tourism continue expanding across the Kingdom. The agreement further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness within the Middle East hospitality sector while supporting long-term economic diversification.

FAQs

1. What was announced between Marriott International and Blacksand?
Marriott International and Blacksand signed an agreement to develop ten new hotels across Saudi Arabia.

2. How many hotel rooms will the project add?
The development will introduce more than 1,300 hotel rooms.

3. Which Marriott brands are included in the agreement?
The portfolio includes St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy.

4. Where will the first hotel open?
The first planned opening is expected to take place in Riyadh.

5. When are the hotels expected to open?
The projects will open in phases through 2030.

6. How many jobs will the developments create?
The projects are expected to generate more than 6,000 full-time jobs.

7. What percentage of jobs will go to Saudi nationals?
At least 60 percent of the new positions are expected to be allocated to Saudi nationals.

8. Why is this project important for tourism?
The development expands hotel capacity, supports Vision 2030 and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s appeal for both business and leisure travelers.

9. Where was the agreement announced?
The partnership was announced during the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

10. How does this partnership benefit international travelers?
Travelers will gain access to a wider range of internationally recognized luxury, premium, lifestyle and extended-stay accommodation options across Saudi Arabia as new hotels open through 2030.