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Rendering of Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City – Image Credit Marriott International
Marriott International Inc. has entered into an agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to establish three new hotels in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The projects are expected to be part of KEC’s master development plan and add over 1,200 rooms across three Marriott brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott.
Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing the hospitality sector in Madinah. He expressed their delight in collaborating with Marriott International to set new hospitality standards in Madinah and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework.
Jerome Briet, Marriott International’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa, highlighted the growth opportunities in the Holy Cities, emphasizing the strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation. He said that the KEC project would aid in diversifying Madinah’s economy and create a destination that embodies the Holy City’s cultural and religious identity.
The planned hotels include Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City, with 456 guestrooms; Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City, with 558 guestrooms; and Residence Inn by Marriott Knowledge Economic City, with 250 studios and apartments.
The projects will be situated within KEC’s Islamic World District, featuring a museum, cultural center, and plaza exhibiting diverse Islamic cultures. KEC is developing a destination across 6.8 million square meters featuring hospitality, residential, retail, and commercial components. The key pillars of this project are technology, knowledge, and sustainability.
KEC CEO Mohammad Al Mubarak affirmed KEC’s commitment to providing an unparalleled lifestyle and hospitality experience for residents and visitors. He stated that the new hotels would play a crucial role in accommodating the increasing number of travelers to the Holy City.
Madinah remains a significant focus for cultural, religious, and economic development in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework seeks to improve infrastructure, expand hospitality services, and establish new cultural and recreational attractions in the city. The new projects in Madinah are part of Marriott International’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector growth, where the company currently operates over 40 properties with more than 10,000 rooms across 13 brands.
