Marriott International Partners with Knowledge Economic City to Open Three Hotels in Madinah, Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Goals
Anticipated projects will add over 1,200 rooms within the destination’s Islamic World District
(IN SHORT) Marriott International has partnered with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three hotels in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, adding over 1,200 rooms to the city’s hospitality offerings. The hotels, under the Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott brands, will be part of KEC’s master development project. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance tourism in Madinah. The hotels will feature modern amenities and be located in the Islamic World District of KEC, a major cultural and commercial hub. The development is set to contribute to the growth of the Saudi tourism sector, with Marriott’s portfolio in the region continuing to expand.
(PRESS RELEASE) Madinah, Saudi Arabia, 2024-Dec-4 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International has forged a significant partnership with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to bring three new hotels to the Holy City of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The three properties, slated to add over 1,200 rooms to the city’s hospitality offerings, will be part of the KEC’s ambitious master development project. These hotels, which will feature brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott, are designed to elevate the accommodation standards in Madinah and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, emphasized the project’s importance, saying, “Our collaboration with Marriott is a crucial step in advancing the hospitality sector in Madinah, helping to provide the highest standards of service, innovation, and guest experiences. We are proud to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and contribute to transforming Madinah into a leading destination for travelers.”
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, added that the project would contribute to the diversification of Madinah’s economy and enhance its position as a major global destination. “The demand for high-quality hotel accommodation remains strong, particularly in the Holy Cities. This project, within Knowledge Economic City, will provide diverse experiences for visitors while celebrating the cultural and religious heritage of the city,” said Briet.
The hotels will be located in the Islamic World District of KEC, a vibrant new area that will feature a museum, cultural center, and plaza dedicated to Islamic cultures. The three Marriott properties will offer a range of experiences for travelers, including the Courtyard by Marriott with 456 rooms, a Four Points by Sheraton with 558 rooms, and the Residence Inn, featuring 250 apartments for longer stays. Each hotel will include amenities such as dining outlets, meeting spaces, fitness centers, and public spaces designed to enhance the guest experience.
The KEC development spans 6.8 million square meters and will include a mix of residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality facilities, along with sports, recreational, and educational services. The project will also be connected to the Haramain Train Station, offering fast access to Jeddah and Makkah via high-speed rail.
Mohammad Al Mubarak, CEO of KEC, highlighted the transformative potential of the project, stating, “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional lifestyle and hospitality experience in Madinah. The addition of Marriott’s globally recognized brands will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for accommodations in the Holy City.”
The new hotels will be a major part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to improve infrastructure, expand hospitality offerings, and boost cultural and recreational tourism in Madinah.
The expansion of Marriott’s presence in Saudi Arabia, with over 40 properties and 10,000 rooms across 13 brands, further reinforces the company’s dedication to supporting the growth of the Saudi tourism sector.
ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,100 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 142 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
ABOUT KNOWLEDGE ECONOMIC CITY
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is one of the economic cities launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to bolster the national economy by providing exceptional investment opportunities. It aims to stimulate the creation of innovative commercial areas and contribute to positioning the Kingdom among the world’s leading economies. KEC is listed as a publicly traded company on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).
Strategically located within the urban boundaries of Madinah, KEC is only 5 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque and is well-connected through key transportation networks, including King Abdulaziz Road, the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station, and Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The city is designed as a smart urban development that emphasizes sustainability, featuring green spaces, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and advanced educational and healthcare facilities.
KEC plays a vital role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030, aligning with programs such as the Pilgrim Experience Program, Quality of Life, Housing, and Human Capability Development. The city offers an integrated urban lifestyle, blending quality living with lucrative investment opportunities. Its offerings include diverse residential, commercial, healthcare, and educational developments that cater to the needs of the community and reflect the Kingdom’s rapid economic growth.
With a vision to become Madinah’s gateway to the future, Knowledge Economic City is committed to delivering a unique lifestyle experience for its residents and visitors, achieving sustainable returns for its shareholders, and leveraging advanced technologies and eco-friendly practices in all aspects of development and operations.
ABOUT ISLAMIC WORLD DISTRICT (IWD)
The Islamic World District (IWD) is a landmark project strategically located in the southeastern part of Knowledge Economic City, adjacent to the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station in Madinah. Spanning an area of 1 million square meters, the project is designed to align with two key programs of Saudi Vision 2030: the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Quality of Life Program.
The IWD aims to support the Pilgrim Experience Program by enhancing the experience of pilgrims, Umrah visitors, and tourists through high-quality hospitality and services, ease of access to the holy sites, and enriching their religious and cultural journey. Additionally, it supports the Quality of Life Program by offering vibrant urban centers, family entertainment facilities, live performances, theaters, exhibitions, and festivals.
The project’s primary objectives include the development of permanent residential accommodations, hospitality facilities, and comprehensive support services such as a visitor reception center, cultural and social squares, diverse retail outlets, clinics, pedestrian pathways, green spaces, event areas, and an interactive Seerah Museum. The district’s architectural design draws inspiration from Islamic heritage, replicating styles from various Islamic countries to create a unique cultural and aesthetic experience.
Upon completion, IWD will feature approximately 18,000 hotel rooms, addressing the shortage of accommodation in Madinah and meeting the strategic goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program. The project will also cater to the Kingdom’s ambitious target of increasing the number of pilgrims, Umrah visitors, and tourists to 30 million annually. Connected by environmentally friendly transportation options, IWD is poised to become a vital hub that integrates religious, cultural, and recreational experiences in Madinah.
Media Contact:
Chandan Belani
Senior Director, Development PR – Europe, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International
Chandan.belani@marriott.com
Source Marriott International, Inc.
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