IHG Hotels to Open 2 New Properties with Over 1,000 Rooms in Al Madinah’s Islamic World District

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IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, has entered into a management agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Co., a publicly listed company in Saudi Arabia, to introduce two new hotels in the Islamic World District (IWD) within Al Madinah. This strategic partnership will contribute 1,057 rooms to the city, marking a significant step in transforming Al Madinah into a world-class destination for both pilgrims and global visitors.

The addition of these hotels supports KEC’s ambitious vision of elevating Al Madinah’s infrastructure and tourism offerings. The Islamic World District (IWD) is at the heart of KEC’s transformative project, which is designed to cater to Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, as well as visitors seeking a blend of religious, cultural, and modern experiences.

A Vision for Al Madinah’s Growth and Development

The Islamic World District is a mixed-use development that promises to redefine Al Madinah’s urban landscape. With its strategic location near the Prophet’s Mosque and the Al-Haramain High-Speed Railway, the district will offer a seamless experience for guests, combining hospitality, residential areas, commercial spaces, and cultural attractions. The new hotels will play a key role in serving as the main gateway for travelers arriving in Al Madinah, whether by air or rail.

KEC’s development of the IWD is central to the city’s economic and infrastructure growth, positioning Al Madinah as a vibrant hub for both religious and tourism-driven visitors. This project will not only support the influx of pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj but also contribute to the city’s evolving tourism sector, with an emphasis on modern amenities and authentic cultural experiences.

Two New Holiday Inn Hotels to Open in January 2029

Scheduled to open in January 2029, the two new hotels are the Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC with 552 keys and the Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC with 505 keys. Both hotels will be located in KEC’s Cluster 01, a prime location directly at the entrance of the Islamic World District and adjacent to the Haramain High-Speed Railway station. This prime positioning ensures that the hotels will be easily accessible to international travelers arriving by air or rail.

The hotels will feature contemporary Najdi architectural design, fusing modern style with Islamic cultural elements. This unique blend of design will offer a welcoming environment for both religious pilgrims and leisure travelers, emphasizing the fusion of tradition and innovation.

A Strategic Step Towards World-Class Hospitality in Al Madinah

The partnership between IHG® Hotels & Resorts and Knowledge Economic City represents a crucial milestone in Al Madinah’s growth as a world-class destination. With these new hotel openings, KEC and IHG® are setting the stage for Al Madinah to become a thriving center for hospitality, culture, and international tourism, while providing enhanced experiences for the millions of visitors who come to the city each year.

As the Islamic World District continues to develop, these new hotels will help create a seamless experience for visitors from around the globe, ensuring that Al Madinah remains at the heart of spiritual and cultural significance in the modern world.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented on the signing: “We are thrilled to expand our presence in the holy city of Al Madinah with two exceptional properties that will elevate the cultural experience of our guests while providing contemporary amenities. As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering extraordinary hospitality, we are honored to contribute to the development of the Knowledge Economic City and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These hotels will cater to the millions of religious pilgrims visiting Al Madinah annually, as well as business travelers, offering world-class facilities in a location that seamlessly blends tradition with modern convenience.

Amin Shaker, Chairman, Knowledge Economic City, said: “Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the hospitality sector in Al Madinah in line with Vision 2030. We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts on this significant development within the Knowledge Economic City. These two new hotels will play a pivotal role in elevating Al Madinah’s status as a premier travelers’ destination, offering exceptional hospitality services to the city’s increasing number of visitors.”

Mohammad Al Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, Knowledge Economic City, added: “This signing with IHG Hotels & Resorts is a testament to the unparalleled hospitality standards we plan to bring to the master-development and to Madinah as a destination. We have found in IHG a partner that shares our values of quality, professionalism, and customer and investor support, while simultaneously fostering local capacity development. As we embark on this partnership to bring two new IHG hotels to Al Madinah, we aim to set new benchmarks in accommodation, innovation, and guest experiences within the Holy City.”

The Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC will feature a spacious All-Day-Dining restaurant and a contemporary open lobby lounge, making it the perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers. In contrast, the Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC will offer a more streamlined experience, providing comfortable and accessible accommodations tailored to religious pilgrims and value-driven travelers.

Guests at both properties will have access to IHG One Rewards, IHG’s premium loyalty program, which offers a wide range of benefits available through the IHG mobile app. Rewards include suite upgrades, annual lounge memberships, extended check-out privileges, and more, based on the selected membership tier.

IHG currently operates 43 hotels across six of its brands in Saudi Arabia, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, voco, and Six Senses. Additionally, IHG has 44 properties in the pipeline or under development, further solidifying its growing presence in the Kingdom.