Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has formalised its entry into Saudi Arabia by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Burhan Hotels to operate and manage three hotels in Makkah, totalling around 1,000 rooms.
The agreement is part of a wider GHG Saudi expansion strategy, with GHG taking on daily operational responsibilities while collaborating with international hotel brands.
The partnership marks a significant step in GHG’s regional growth plans, reflecting its approach as a third-party hotel operator in one of the Middle East’s most competitive hospitality markets.
Under the agreement, GHG will oversee an extensive renovation and repositioning of all three properties, working alongside specialist consultants and negotiating brand affiliations with international hospitality groups.
The project directly engages with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by contributing professionally managed, internationally branded accommodation in Makkah and enhancing services for pilgrims and religious visitors amid the sector’s robust growth.
GHG CEO Ahmed Janahi said: “This partnership marks a strategic milestone for Gulf Hotels Group as we enter the Saudi market as a third-party operator.
“Makkah is one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, and this collaboration enables us to leverage more than five decades of proven operational excellence while supporting the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for tourism and religious travel.”
Burhan Hotels chairman Khalid Burhan SaifAddin said: “Makkah welcomes tens of millions of guests of God every year.
“We are proud to partner with Gulf Hotels Group, whose world-class operational expertise and deep regional knowledge make them the ideal partner to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience with leading international hotel brands, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.”
GHG is a Bahrain-based public company chaired by Fawzi Kanoo. It was established in 1967 as Bahrain Hotels Company. Burhan Hotels is headquartered in Makkah and operates several hotels serving religious travellers, drawing on more than two decades of sector experience.
In January 2024, GHG officially signed an MoU with the internationally recognised Solutions Leisure Group.
