Accor, a global leader in hospitality, and Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, one of the largest real estate players in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced plans to launch the Ibis Makkah Al Maabda hotel. This newly built hotel, featuring 518 rooms, is currently under development in the fast-growing eastern district of Makkah, just 3 kilometers from the Grand Mosque.

The hotel is scheduled to open in 2031, with 2032 being its first full year of operation. It will include two restaurants, a reception lounge, and an events hall with a total area of 50 square meters, while guest room sizes will start from a minimum of 22 square meters. The hotel will deliver the signature Ibis experience, combining reliable comfort, high-quality essential services, and friendly staff service; ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay that allows guests to travel with peace of mind, providing genuine care and a comfortable stay at affordable rates. Makkah’s hospitality sector has long been dominated by independent hotels, and the increasing investments by international hotel operators are enhancing the city’s position as a promising hospitality destination. The Ibis Makkah Al Maabda hotel is expected to meet the growing demand for mid-scale and economy accommodation options, both for city residents and pilgrims, in a region witnessing rapidly increasing demand for this type of hotel product.

The project represents a new addition to Accor’s portfolio of economy hotels in Makkah and strengthens the group's business ecosystem in the city. As the largest international hotel operator in Makkah and Madinah, with over 15,000 operational rooms and more than 8,000 rooms under development across 11 hotels, Accor is keeping pace with the shift in demand, which is no longer limited to the traditional Hajj and Umrah seasons but is extending year-round, driven by increased average length of stay, growth in family travel, and expansion of source tourism markets, opening the door to greater diversity in brands and accommodation styles.

This shift comes within the rapid growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia received 122 million visitors in 2025, with religious tourism forming a key pillar. With the target of receiving 30 million Umrah performers annually by 2030, as part of the national goal of attracting 150 million visitors, the demand for hospitality services in the two holy cities continues to evolve in terms of volume, patterns, and visitor needs.

This signing strengthens the existing partnership between Accor and Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, which also includes the Fairmont Rimala Riyadh hotel apartment project (249 units) and the Novotel Riyadh Al Worood hotel currently under development, underscoring the strength of the long-term relationship and mutual trust between the two parties.

Accor continues to leverage digital innovation within its strategy in the two holy cities, through initiatives such as the ALL Makkah Madinah portal, which aims to provide a smoother and more connected journey for pilgrims between the two cities, by facilitating access to services and enhancing integration among the group's hotels.

Accor is also among the first hotel operators to establish a regional team and a dedicated office in Jeddah, coordinating operations, sales, marketing, and pricing strategies for 15 hotels under 10 brands in Makkah and Madinah, enhancing responsiveness to market changes, bringing the group closer to its partners, and ensuring consistent performance while granting each hotel the necessary flexibility to maintain its brand identity.

On this occasion, Raki Phillips, Regional Head of Premium, Midscale, and Economy Hotel Brands for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at Accor, said: 'As the largest international hotel operator in the holy cities, we are witnessing a fundamental evolution in the nature of demand as Makkah enters a new phase of growth. With visitor patterns becoming more continuous throughout the year and more diverse than ever, the market is benefiting from a broader mix of internationally recognized brands.'

He added: 'The Ibis brand has spent over 50 years helping travelers explore the world by delivering reliable levels of comfort, quality, and exceptional value. The Ibis Makkah Al Maabda will bring this trusted experience to one of the most important destinations in the Kingdom. By expanding access to globally recognized economy hospitality through projects like this hotel, we are contributing to supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and meeting the evolving needs of today's travelers.'

For his part, Engineer Mohammed Al Mahzari, CEO of Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners, said: 'Investing in the future of Makkah embodies our commitment to supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing the role of the private sector in the growth of the Kingdom's tourism sector. This project comes within one of the promising urban axes in Makkah, while our partnership with Accor, with whom we have a solid and extended relationship that has proven successful, ensures the development of a project that meets the highest global standards and contributes to the ongoing transformation journey of the city.'

With a portfolio of more than 1,200 hotels across over 65 countries, the Ibis brand stands out as one of the most widespread economy hotel brands globally and beloved by all. For over 50 years, Ibis has been helping travelers seeking smart value to travel with peace of mind and confidence, by providing reliable quality levels, friendly service, and real value for money. Guided by its motto and inspiration 'GO get it', Ibis continues to enhance confidence in travel by providing the high-quality essential services that matter most to guests, wherever they choose to stay.

It is worth noting that since pioneering affordable travel, Ibis has redefined the concept of economy hospitality through its contemporary designs and vibrant hospitality experience that gives guests a feeling of warmth as if they were in their 'second home'.