French hospitality group Accor is bolstering its presence in Saudi Arabia by entering a master development agreement with BinDawood Investment, through its hospitality subsidiary Al Qimmah.
The agreement covers development and management of more than 3,000 hotel rooms across the kingdom, including sites in Makkah and Madinah.
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Under the deal, Accor will introduce several of its brands in Saudi Arabia, ranging from premium to economy segments.
The developments will cover city hotels, serviced apartments, resorts, and properties focused on accommodating religious visitors, as per information posted on Zawya.
BinDawood Holding chairman Dr Abdulrazzaq Bindawood said: “Through BinDawood Investment and its subsidiaries, we are proud to be shaping a new chapter in the Kingdom’s hospitality journey.
“Our partnership with Accor underscores our commitment to becoming a long-term leader in hospitality investment, building on our retail legacy to create destinations that will serve millions of visitors for many years to come.”
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By GlobalDataThe initial stage of the partnership includes four major projects.
The first is a new-build Swissôtel in Jeddah with 288 rooms, which will be situated close to King Abdulaziz International Airport and will begin operations in 2029.
In Madinah, another new-build Mövenpick property with 1,015 keys will open in the north-west of the city in 2029.
In Makkah, two existing properties are set for renovation and rebranding.
The 801-room ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah hotel will complete renovations by 2027.
The Mercure Makkah Shesha, offering 1,078 rooms, will also finish refurbishment works and reopen in 2027.
Accor Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific premium, midscale and economy division CEO Duncan O’Rourke said: “Our partnership with BinDawood Investment’s Al Qimmah Hospitality represents a shared commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism agenda, one defined by innovation, scale, and cultural resonance.
“Our portfolio will set new benchmarks for religious and leisure travel, enhancing the experience for millions of visitors, and cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism leader for decades to come.”
Accor manages 46 hotels and branded residences in Saudi Arabia, with more than 18,000 rooms across 15 brands.
The company operates 14 hotels in Makkah and Madinah that collectively represent over 12,600 rooms.
Last week, Accor partnered with Italian tourism company AG Group to launch its Sofitel luxury hotel brand in Genoa by 2027.
