Accor and Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi to Launch 518-Key ibis Makkah Hotel by 2031
Global hospitality group Accor has partnered with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners to develop ibis Makkah Al Maabdah, a new 518-room economy hotel that will open in 2031, supporting Saudi Arabia's growing demand for year-round accommodation in the Holy City.
Located approximately 3 kilometres from the Holy Mosque in Makkah's rapidly developing eastern district, the hotel is designed to cater to both pilgrims and residents, reflecting the Kingdom's expanding tourism ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030.
The new-build property will feature 518 guest rooms, each with a minimum size of 22 square metres, along with two restaurants, a lobby lounge, and 50 square metres of banqueting facilities. The hotel will offer ibis' globally recognised combination of comfortable accommodation, essential amenities, and value-driven hospitality.
Growing Demand Beyond Peak Pilgrimage Seasons
Accor said demand in Makkah is evolving beyond the traditional Hajj and Umrah seasons, with increasing numbers of family travellers, longer-stay visitors, and guests from emerging international markets contributing to year-round occupancy growth.
The project strengthens Accor's economy hospitality portfolio in the Holy City and complements its existing operations across Makkah and Madinah. The company currently operates 15,000 hotel rooms across the two cities and has more than 8,000 additional rooms under development through 11 hotel projects, reinforcing its position as the region's largest hotel operator.
Supporting Saudi Arabia's Tourism Vision
Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025, with religious tourism continuing to serve as one of the country's primary travel drivers. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually, including 30 million Umrah pilgrims each year by the end of the decade.
The new ibis property is expected to contribute to meeting the growing demand for internationally branded midscale and economy accommodation, particularly in emerging districts surrounding the Holy Mosque.
Expanding a Long-Term Partnership
The latest agreement builds on the existing collaboration between Accor and Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, who are already working together on the Fairmont Ramla Riyadh Serviced Residences and the Novotel Riyadh Al Wurud Hotel, currently under construction.
Digital Innovation Enhancing Pilgrim Experience
Accor continues to invest in digital solutions across the Holy Cities, including the ALL Makkah Madinah Portal, which is designed to simplify travel planning and improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.
The hospitality group also maintains a dedicated regional office in Jeddah, overseeing operations, sales, marketing, and revenue management across its 15 hotels operating under 10 brands in the Holy Cities.
Leadership Comments
Raki Phillips, Regional President, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor, said the project reflects changing travel patterns in Makkah, where demand has become increasingly diverse and extends well beyond traditional pilgrimage periods. He added that the new ibis hotel supports Saudi Vision 2030 by expanding access to internationally recognised economy accommodation while delivering reliable service and value to travellers.
Eng. Mohammed Al Mahzari, Chief Executive Officer of Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, said investing in Makkah's hospitality sector aligns with the Kingdom's tourism development goals and reinforces the company's commitment to supporting the city's long-term transformation through partnerships with global hospitality brands.
With more than 1,200 hotels across over 65 countries, ibis remains one of the world's largest economy hotel brands, providing affordable, quality accommodation for travellers through its commitment to reliable service and value.
