Accor Hotels has made a further commitment to developing its brands in the Saudi Arabian market, building its presence in the key pilgrimage destinations of Madinah and Makkah.

The French hotel group has expanded its existing partnership with Al Qimmah Hospitality, now aiming to jointly build out a portfolio of hotels adding up to more than 4,000 rooms. Al Qimmah, which is a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment Company, will launch the campaign with a first project in Makkah, a Novotel with 850 rooms.

Expanding the Pilgrimage Tourism Offer

The two companies first signed a master development agreement in 2025, and announced the update to their shared plans at the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable, held during summer 2026 in Paris. Together, they will now partner on five hotel projects in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, across Accor’s premium, midscale and economy brands. Specifically, the other four planned hotels will be the Mercure Makkah Shesha, Ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, Movenpick Madinah, and Swissotel Jeddah.

In Makkah, the new Novotel is expected to open in 2030. This property will underline Accor’s position as the largest international hotel operator in the Holy Cities, destinations that are expected to see ever more pilgrims annually, as Saudi Arabia promotes religious tourism across its lands. The additions also align with the broader tourism growth plans of the Saudi Vision 2030 project.

Over more than 30 years operating hotels in Saudi Arabia, Accor has built its portfolio up to 48 properties, with more than 21,600 rooms offering hospitality to travellers across the country. The group has a committed pipeline adding up to 47 further hotels, with 11,400 rooms to come.

Upcoming openings from across the Accor brand portfolio include The Palm Qassim, which will join the Handwritten Collection and opens in late 2026. Also launching prior to the year end is Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, another pilgrimage hotel with a massive 1,141 rooms.

In the Red Sea region, two more 2026 openings are planned for the group’s luxury brands. Raffles Red Sea, and Fairmont Shura Island Red Sea, will both launch with 200 rooms each.

A Strong Pipeline of Hotels in Riyadh

And Mondrian, a brand from Accor’s lifestyle affiliate Ennismore, will be opening in Riyadh in early 2027. The Mondrian Riyadh Al Malga Hotel and Residences will feature regular hotel rooms, plus one, two and three bedroom apartments to suit local market demand. The striking property will also feature three restaurants and lounges.

Alongside the Mondrian, Riyadh will welcome a plethora of additional Accor hotels. The pipeline for the city includes an MGallery Resort, new Raffles Riyadh hotel, and two Tribe branded properties. The Raffles hotel will be part of a major new development in the city’s Al Yasmin district, which will feature 34 and 42 storey towers. In addition to the Raffles hotel, the project will also include a 250 room extended stay hotel under the Sofitel brand.