The business has signed an agreement with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners to develop ibis Makkah Al Maabdah, a 518-key hotel in Makkah’s rapidly growing eastern district, around three kilometres from the Holy Mosque.
Scheduled to open in 2031, the new-build property will offer two restaurants, a lobby lounge, 50sq m of banqueting space and guest rooms starting at 22sq m, targeting the growing demand for quality economy accommodation.
The project strengthens Accor’s presence in Saudi Arabia’s Holy City, where the group already operates 15,000 rooms and has more than 8,000 additional rooms in development across 11 hotels.
The new ibis is expected to cater to both pilgrims and residents as demand broadens beyond traditional pilgrimage seasons, driven by longer stays, family travel and visitors from emerging source markets.
Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025, with the Kingdom aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030, including 30 million Umrah pilgrims. The growing role of international hotel operators is reshaping Makkah’s hospitality landscape, historically dominated by independent properties.
The signing also builds on Accor’s existing partnership with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, which includes the Fairmont Ramla Riyadh Serviced Residences and the Novotel Riyadh Al Wurud Hotel currently under development. Accor continues to support its expansion through digital initiatives and a dedicated regional team overseeing operations across the Holy Cities.
