Marriott International Revolutionizes Hospitality in Madinah, Saudi Arabia with Over 1,200 New Luxury Rooms

Image generated with Ai

Marriott International partners with Knowledge Economic City to open three hotels in Madinah, adding over 1,200 rooms and supporting Saudi Vision 2030.

Planned projects are set to introduce more than 1,200 rooms in the Islamic World District of Madinah. Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to establish three hotels within the sacred city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. These upcoming properties, part of KEC’s master development plan, will span three Marriott brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott, collectively offering over 1,200 rooms.

“Under the leadership and guidance of His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we remain committed to advancing the hospitality sector in Madinah by bringing the highest standards of accommodation, innovation and guest experiences to the Holy City,” said Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC.  “We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to set new hospitality benchmarks in Madinah and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework.”

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International commented, “We continue to see growth opportunities across the Holy Cities where there remains a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation. Knowledge Economic City is a pivotal project that will further help diversify Madinah’s economy and create a destination that provides a variety of experiences for travellers and celebrates the cultural and religious identity of the Holy City.  We look forward to working with KEC to enhance the hospitality landscape in Madinah and support the ongoing transformation of the country’s tourism sector.”

The upcoming developments include the Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City, which will offer 456 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, two dining venues, versatile meeting spaces, a fitness center, and inviting communal areas for relaxation and networking. The Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City is set to provide a warm and casual hospitality experience, featuring 558 contemporary guest rooms, several dining options, meeting facilities, and a fitness center. Additionally, the Residence Inn by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will cater to extended stays with 250 modern studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, each equipped with a full kitchen and spacious bathrooms. The property will also include a 24/7 grab-and-go market and a fitness center.

These projects will be situated within the Islamic World District of Knowledge Economic City (KEC), an area designed to celebrate the richness of global Islamic cultures through a museum, cultural center, and a vibrant plaza. Covering 6.8 million square meters, KEC is envisioned as a premier destination, integrating hospitality, residential, retail, and commercial components with recreational and sports facilities, as well as top-tier education and healthcare services. Built on principles of technology, knowledge, and sustainability, the development will be seamlessly connected to the Haramain Train Station, enabling high-speed rail travel between Madinah, Jeddah, and Makkah.

Mohammad Al Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer of KEC, added, “Knowledge Economic City is committed to offer an unparalleled lifestyle and hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike, and this milestone agreement is a testament to the high standards of excellence we plan to bring to the master-development and Madinah as a destination.  Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott each offer a unique travel experience, and we are excited to add these brands to our portfolio.   These hotels will play an important role in the accommodating the influx of travellers into the Holy City.” 

Madinah continues to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s cultural, religious, and economic advancement. Aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, significant efforts are underway to enhance infrastructure, broaden hospitality offerings, and introduce new cultural and recreational landmarks within the city.

The anticipated hotel openings in Madinah reflect Marriott International’s dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism industry. Currently, Marriott operates over 40 properties across 13 distinct brands in the Kingdom, offering more than 10,000 rooms to cater to a diverse range of travelers.