A strategic milestone for Marriott in Saudi Arabia
Marriott International announced that it has reached a combined total of 100 operational and pipeline properties in Saudi Arabia. This milestone follows the signing of a 1,100-room Courtyard by Marriott in Makkah with a fund managed by SEDCO Capital.
Planned within the large-scale Masar development operated by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar is expected to open in 2030, reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom.
“Achieving the 100-property milestone in Saudi Arabia underscores Marriott’s commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.” – Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International
A hotel integrated into the Masar masterplan
Covering over 4,500sqm, the future hotel is expected to include 1,100 guestrooms and suites, multiple dining venues, meeting and event facilities—including a ballroom—alongside a fitness centre, kids club and retail options.
Its position within Masar provides direct connectivity to the Masjid al-Haram via a central pedestrian walkway. The wider development is designed as a mixed-use urban destination combining hospitality, commercial and residential components with cultural facilities.
Aligned with Vision 2030, Masar contributes to the national objective of hosting 30 million pilgrims annually while modernising transport and urban infrastructure.
A partnership aligned with long-term investment strategies
SEDCO Capital views this agreement as a continuation of its investment strategy in Shariah-compliant assets in Makkah’s hospitality sector.
“This agreement builds on SEDCO Capital’s established track record in Makkah’s hospitality sector and reinforces our strategy to expand investor access to resilient, Shariah-compliant real estate opportunities.” – Abdulwahhab Abed, CEO, SEDCO Capital
For Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, the project strengthens the positioning of Masar as a future reference for urban and hospitality development.
“Makkah is a dynamic destination with growing tourism potential. We look forward to working with Marriott International on this landmark development within Masar.” – Yasser AbuAteek, CEO, Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction
A market supported by strong religious tourism
Makkah remains one of the key drivers of Saudi Arabia’s hotel development, supported by steady religious visitation and large-scale infrastructure investments. The country also hosted the Tourise forum this year, during which Accor reiterated its ambitions for this expanding market.
Marriott currently operates 44 properties and more than 11,000 rooms across the Kingdom, spanning 13 of its brands. Courtyard by Marriott, already present with six hotels, remains one of the group’s most widely deployed global brands.
This new signing further strengthens the company’s position in a market where large-scale projects are multiplying — notably through the expansion strategies of IHG and Four Seasons — and where international operators are playing an increasingly central role in shaping Saudi destinations. Jeddah, in particular, is attracting significant interest from major hotel groups, as illustrated by Mandarin Oriental and Kerzner.
