Saudi Arabia’s Rua Al Madinah Holding Co. and Accor Group are joining forces to transform Madinah into a modern Islamic and cultural destination. The project, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, includes the development of three properties in the city, which is one of the most important sites in the Islamic world.
The three properties that will be developed include a 140-room Fairmont Hotel, 120 Fairmont branded residences, 466-room Swissotel and 328-room Novotel. These hotels will offer guests world-class accommodation and facilities, as well as a unique cultural experience that celebrates the heritage of Madinah.
In addition to the hotels, the project will also include a shopping mall, a museum, and a cultural center that will showcase the rich history and traditions of the city. The development will also feature a central park that will be used for public events and gatherings, further enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.
This ambitious project will transform Madinah into a leading destination for tourism, offering a modern and immersive experience for visitors while preserving the city’s cultural heritage. The development will also create significant employment opportunities for locals, as well as driving economic growth in the region.
Commenting on the project, the CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding, Dr. Fahad Al-Sultan, said: “We are delighted to partner with Accor, a global leader in hospitality, to bring this project to life. This development will not only transform Madinah into a leading destination for tourism, but it will also create significant employment opportunities for locals, and drive economic growth in the region.”
The CEO of Accor in Saudi Arabia, Mark Willis, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rua Al Madinah Holding to develop these world-class properties in Madinah. These hotels will offer guests an unforgettable cultural experience, while also providing them with world-class accommodation and facilities.”
The launch of these properties is part of a broader effort by Saudi Arabia to transform the country into a leading tourism destination. The country is investing heavily in developing its tourism infrastructure, including the creation of new hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities.
In addition to the new properties in Madinah, the country is also developing a number of other major tourism projects, including the NEOM mega-city, which is being built on the Red Sea coast. The NEOM project is expected to attract billions of dollars in investment and create thousands of jobs in the region.
Overall, the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry looks bright, with the country well-positioned to attract a large number of visitors from around the world. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and world-class tourism infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a leading destination for tourists in the Middle East and beyond.
The Swissotel and Novotel will be operated under Accor’s midscale and economy brands, respectively. Both properties will be located in the same building and will feature shared facilities, such as a fitness center, pool, and dining options.
The new hotels will cater to the increasing demand for quality accommodation in Madinah, which is one of the most visited cities in the world by Muslim pilgrims. The city attracts millions of visitors every year, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
According to Rua Al Madinah Holding CEO, the project aligns with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy and promote tourism as a key sector. The project also reflects the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and cultural preservation in Madinah.
The Fairmont Hotel and branded residences are set to open in 2025, followed by the Swissotel and Novotel in 2026. The hotels will be located in close proximity to Al Haram, one of the holiest sites in Islam, making it an ideal location for pilgrims and tourists alike.
