Accor and Al Qimmah Hospitality Expand Partnership in Saudi Arabia

Accor, a leading global hospitality group, and Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment Company, have announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to develop a portfolio of more than 4,000 rooms across Saudi Arabia. This expansion is marked by the signing of a new 850-key Novotel in Makkah, expected to open in 2030. The partnership now includes five hotels across Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, covering premium, midscale, and economy hospitality segments.

The announcement was made in Paris during the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable meeting, which brought together a Saudi delegation of leading business figures from key industries. The expanded portfolio aims to meet the growing demand for quality hospitality across a broader range of price points, supporting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand visitor capacity.

In addition to increasing hotel rooms, the partnership will contribute to job creation and the development of Saudi talent. This commitment is supported by Tamayyaz by Accor, a national talent program in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, aiming to develop and hire over 3,000 Saudi nationals by 2030.

Duncan O'Rourke, CEO for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor, emphasized the dynamic nature of Saudi Arabia's hospitality market and the shared confidence in its long-term potential. Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman of Al Qimmah Hospitality, highlighted the milestone of reaching over 4,000 rooms and the long-term investment in the Kingdom's hospitality sector.

The partnership now comprises Mercure Makkah Shesha, ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, Mövenpick Madinah, Swissôtel Jeddah, and the newly signed Novotel Makkah. Accor has been present in Saudi Arabia for over three decades, operating 48 hotels with more than 21,600 rooms and a pipeline of 47 additional hotels.

For a developer: This expansion highlights the significant opportunities in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector, driven by religious tourism and government initiatives like Vision 2030. Developers can expect increased demand for hospitality infrastructure and talent development programs.

Key figures: More than 4,000 rooms, 850-key Novotel in Makkah, 3,000 Saudi nationals to be hired by 2030.