Road development activities in Saudi Arabia gathered pace during the first half of 2026 with the rollout of new projects and advanced technologies across the kingdom's transport network. A total of 40 new road projects covering Makkah, Madinah and Qassim region were inaugurated this year.
Saudi Arabia is looking for private investors to fund a $135 million ferris wheel in Madinah, as the kingdom pushes to expand attractions for pilgrims and domestic travellers beyond its holy sites, said a report. The project, Hijaz Eye, would be built on a 33,700 sq m plot, roughly the size of five football pitches.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Company said it has completed regulatory approvals and taken possession of a 63,088-sq-m prime plot of land in Madinah, thus marking the start of its contractual obligations under a 50-year lease agreement with the municipality.
Madinah recorded Saudi Arabia’s highest occupancy rate for tourist accommodation facilities in the first quarter of 2026, with hotels, serviced apartments and other lodging establishments achieving an 82% occupancy rate, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Radisson continues to expand in Saudi Arabia, with 50 hotels open and under development across the kingdom, as it targets 100 properties in operation by 2030. The group aims to open 1,000 more rooms in the country during the second half, said a top official.
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is participating as a Strategic Partner at Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2026, showcasing its SAR24 billion ($6.3 billion) Madinah masterplan and engaging global investors to advance hospitality and mixed-use development opportunities.
Madinah’s hotel sector recorded its highest occupancy rate in three years in 2025, reaching 75%, driven by rising visitor and Umrah demand, according to Almqr Development Company, underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a hospitality destination.
Taiba Investment Company has signed a final partnership agreement with Osool Integrated Real Estate Company to develop, refurbish and operate three hotels in the central area of Madinah in a project valued at SAR2.4 billion ($640 million), strengthening the city’s hospitality infrastructure as Saudi Arabia expands accommodation capacity for pilgrims under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has allocated specialised reception lounges at Jeddah and Madinah airports for pilgrims participating in the Makkah Route Initiative for the 2026 Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the first groups of pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, organising reception events that reflect Saudi hospitality and the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims.
