Marriott International has reached a combined total of 100 operational and pipeline hotels in Saudi Arabia with the signing of 1,100-key Courtyard by Marriott in Makkah.
The agreement is signed with a fund managed by SEDCO Capital.
The new hotel is scheduled to open in 2030. It will form part of the Masar destination, an urban development overseen by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction.
The Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar will occupy over 4,500m² in area.
It will contribute to ongoing hospitality sector growth and support Saudi Arabia’s plans to accommodate increasing visitor numbers.
Plans for the property include guest rooms and suites, dining outlets, meeting and event facilities such as a ballroom, a fitness centre, a children’s club, and retail spaces.
The hotel’s location within the Masar destination is set to offer direct access to key areas in Makkah, including proximity to the Masjid al-Haram via the central pedestrian corridor under development.
The Masar project includes components such as hospitality venues, commercial areas, residential units and cultural centres.
The development is integrated into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to strengthen infrastructure and support the projected increase in annual pilgrimage visitors to Makkah.
Part of the Masar masterplan includes investments in transit-oriented infrastructure intended to enhance connectivity for visitors and residents as travel demand continues to rise.
SEDCO Capital chief executive officer Abdulwahhab Abed said: “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.
“In alignment with Vision 2030 and its objectives to enhance services for pilgrims, this development aims to strengthen year-round hospitality capacity and operational efficiency, while generating sustainable, long-term value for our investors.”
Marriott has operated hotels in Saudi Arabia for more than 40 years and currently manages 44 properties and over 11,000 rooms across 13 brands in the country.
The Courtyard by Marriott brand operates six hotels within Saudi Arabia.
Marriott International Europe, Middle East & Africa chief development officer Jerome Briet said: “Achieving the 100-property milestone in Saudi Arabia underscores Marriott’s commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
“The signing of Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar reflects our confidence in the Kingdom’s tourism growth and infrastructure development.”
