In Brief: Accor and Al Qimmah Hospitality have expanded their partnership by signing an agreement for a Novotel property in Makkah, bringing their joint portfolio to over 4,000 keys and further strengthening Accor’s presence in Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector.
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Accor and Al Qimmah Hospitality Expand Strategic Partnership Beyond 4,000 Keys with the Signing of Novotel Makkah – Image Credit Accor
Accor 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 keys across Saudi Arabia, with a strong focus on Makkah and Madinah, marked by the signing of a new 850-key Novotel in Makkah.
Announced in Paris during the French- Saudi Investment Roundtable meeting, bringing together a Saudi delegation of leading business figures across key industries, the signing builds on the master development agreement established in 2025 and brings the partnership to five hotels across Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, spanning premium, midscale and economy hospitality.
The new 850-key Novotel in Makkah is expected to open in 2030, broadening the range of quality accommodation in Makkah and further reinforcing Accor’s position as the largest international hotel operator in the Holy Cities, while supporting the Kingdom’s growing religious tourism sector.
The expanded portfolio responds to growing demand for quality hospitality across a broader range of price points, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand visitor capacity.
Beyond adding hotel rooms, the partnership will contribute to job creation and Saudi talent development. This commitment is supported by Tamayyaz by Accor, the Group’s national talent programme in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, which aims to develop and hire more than 3,000 Saudi nationals by 2030 and build the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, and expanding our partnership with Al Qimmah Hospitality beyond 4,000 rooms reflects our shared confidence in its long-term potential. The addition of Novotel Makkah strengthens the choice of quality hospitality available to millions of pilgrims and visitors. But our ambition goes beyond hotels; it is equally about people. As we grow, we want to create meaningful careers for Saudi talent and develop the Heartists® who will shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom.”
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman, said: “Reaching more than 4,000 rooms across five hotels marks an important milestone in our partnership with Accor. The signing of Novotel Makkah reinforces our long-term investment in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector and our ambition to develop quality accommodation that responds to the evolving needs of visitors and pilgrims. Together, we are creating lasting value and supporting the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy.”
The partnership now comprises Mercure Makkah Shesha, ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, Mövenpick Madinah, Swissôtel Jeddah and the newly signed Novotel Makkah, representing more than 4,000 keys across five hotels.
Accor has been present in Saudi Arabia for more than three decades and today operates 48 hotels with 21,600+ keys across the Kingdom, with a pipeline of a further 47 hotels and 11,400+ keys. Across more than 16 brands, the Group serves religious, leisure and business travellers throughout the Kingdom.