Global hospitality group Marriott International has signed a landmark agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight new hotels in the Saudi city. 

 

These will add 4,400 rooms across eight of the company’s brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott.  

 

As per the deal, Rua Al Madinah will be responsible for the development masterplan for the project and other real estate projects in the Saudi city as one of the key initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

 

Located in close proximity to the main mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi, the planned properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah Project which aims to elevate the service and travel experience for visitors of Madinah. 

 

Unveiling the big Saudi plans, Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: "There is a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation in Madinah and we are delighted to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to support the enhancement and diversification of the city’s hospitality landscape."

 

"This multi-deal agreement also strengthens our footprint in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see strong growth momentum in line with the Kingdom’s vision for its tourism sector," he added.

 

“The agreement with one of the world’s leading hospitality operators brings the Rua Al Madinah project a step closer to realising its ambitions to further enrich Madinah city’s Hajj and Umrah services," commented 

 

Rua Al Madinah CEO Engineer Ahmed Al Juhani said this collaboration will culminate in the launch of eight new hotels adding thousands of rooms that will serve both residents as well as visitors from around the world visiting Madinah.

 

"Among these properties include The Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinah which is slated to offer 151 luxurious rooms and suites including a signature Ritz-Carlton suite, multiple dining concepts, a 500-sq m ballroom, an expansive fitness centre and Ritz Kids space," he stated.

 

"JW Marriott Rua Al Madinah will feature 252 well-appointed guestrooms and suites along with multiple dining concepts, a fitness centre and meeting room facilities,." he noted. 

 

"Plans for Madinah Marriott Hotel Rua Al Madinah include 450 spacious guest rooms and suites in addition to dining, recreation, and meeting facilities," revealed Al Junahi. 

 

"Le Méridien Rua Al Madinah will boast 533 modern guest rooms and suites, and three dining concepts alongside recreation and meeting facilities, while Westin Rua Al Madinah will have 361 rooms and suites, three dining outlets, a fitness centre, a kids club, and meeting facilities," he added.

 

Four Points by Sheraton Rua Al Madinah anticipates 777 modern rooms and apartments, two all-day dining concepts, spacious meeting facilities, and a fitness centre.

 

Aloft Rua Al Madinah and Courtyard by Marriott Rua Al Madinah are expected to offer a combined 1,810 rooms and suites, 1,100 sqm of meeting space facilities, and multiple dining and recreation offerings.

 

According to him, the development of the Rua Al Madinah Project is expected to cover 1.5 million sq m, including 47,000 new rooms by 2030.

 

Of this, 63% of the project’s masterplan will be allocated to open spaces in addition to the integrated transportation solutions such as bus stops, and underground parking.

 

The expected openings in Madinah are part of Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia where the company’s current portfolio encompasses 36 properties and more than 10,000 rooms across 11 of its brands, it added.-TradeArabia News Service