Marriott International continues its expansion in Saudi Arabia by signing an agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three hotels in Madinah, the holy city. These projects, which will add over 1,200 rooms, are part of the KEC development and will feature three of Marriott’s brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott.
The hotels will be located within the Islamic World District of KEC, a project designed to highlight the diverse Islamic cultures from around the world. This district will include a museum, a cultural center, a plaza, as well as residential, commercial, sports, and recreational facilities. Spanning 6.8 million square meters, KEC will also offer high-quality healthcare and education services, further contributing to the diversification of the local economy.
- The Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will offer 456 rooms, two restaurants, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and public areas.
- The Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City will feature 558 modern rooms, several restaurants, meeting rooms, and a fitness center.
- The Residence Inn by Marriott Knowledge Economic City will provide a residential experience with 250 studios and apartments, each equipped with a full kitchen and large bathrooms. The hotel will also include a 24-hour market and a fitness center.
These openings are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to improve infrastructure and expand hotel services in the city. They also respond to the growing demand for high-quality accommodations and support the region’s tourism development efforts.
For Marriott International, this expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase its presence in Saudi Arabia, where the company currently manages more than 40 hotels and over 10,000 rooms across 13 brands, addressing the growing demand in the country’s expanding tourism market.
“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 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.” – Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International
