The partnership was expanded in Paris during the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable, which brought together senior Saudi business leaders from multiple industries while French President Emmanuel Macron officially welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The hotel agreement builds on a master development deal signed in 2025. The latest signing covers in the meantime an 850-key Novotel in Makkah, scheduled to open in 2030. The property will add more accommodation options for pilgrims and visitors while strengthening Accor’s presence in the Kingdom’s two Holy Cities.
The expanded portfolio will include five hotels across Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, covering premium, midscale and economy segments. The properties are Mercure Makkah Shesha, ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, Mövenpick Madinah, Swissôtel Jeddah and the new Novotel Makkah.
Accor said the expansion reflects growing demand for quality accommodation across a wider range of price points. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand tourism infrastructure and increase visitor capacity.
The partnership is also expected to create jobs and support the development of Saudi hospitality talent.
Accor’s Tamayyaz national talent program, developed in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, aims to develop and employ more than 3,000 Saudi nationals by 2030.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets,” said Duncan O’Rourke, CEO for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor. He said the expanded partnership reflects confidence in the country’s long-term potential and will increase accommodation choices for millions of pilgrims and visitors.
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, chairman of Al Qimmah Hospitality, said the agreement marks an important milestone in the partnership and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
Accor has operated in Saudi Arabia for more than three decades. It currently has 48 hotels with more than 21,600 rooms across the Kingdom, with another 47 hotels and more than 11,400 rooms in its development pipeline.
The group operates more than 16 brands in Saudi Arabia, serving religious, leisure and business travelers.
Tags: Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Al Qimmah Hospitality Duncan O’Rourke, Accor