International hotel operator Accor has expanded its strategic development agreement with Al Qimmah Hospitality to bring their shared portfolio to more than 4,000 keys across Saudi Arabia. The extension was confirmed following the signing of a new 850-key Novotel property located in Makkah.

The agreement was signed in Paris during the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable meeting, an event attended by business leaders representing key commercial sectors from Saudi Arabia. The addition builds on a master development agreement established in 2025, taking the total collaboration to five hotels across premium, midscale and economy tiers situated in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah.

Scheduled to open in 2030, Novotel Makkah aims to meet growing demand for accessible accommodation options for religious pilgrims. The property will operate alongside four other hotels in the joint portfolio: Mercure Makkah Shesha, ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, Mövenpick Madinah and Swissôtel Jeddah.

The overall expansion supports goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 by enlarging regional tourism infrastructure and creating local career opportunities. Through the Tamayyaz by Accor national talent initiative, established alongside the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the group targets the recruitment and development of over 3,000 Saudi nationals by 2030.

Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, and expanding our partnership with Al Qimmah Hospitality beyond 4,000 rooms reflects our shared confidence in its long-term potential. The addition of Novotel Makkah strengthens the choice of quality hospitality available to millions of pilgrims and visitors. But our ambition goes beyond hotels; it is equally about people. As we grow, we want to create meaningful careers for Saudi talent and develop the Heartists® who will shape the future of hospitality in the Kingdom.”

Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman, said: “Reaching more than 4,000 rooms across five hotels marks an important milestone in our partnership with Accor. The signing of Novotel Makkah reinforces our long-term investment in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector and our ambition to develop quality accommodation that responds to the evolving needs of visitors and pilgrims. Together, we are creating lasting value and supporting the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy.”

Accor has maintained operations in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years. The company currently manages 48 hotels totalling more than 21,600 rooms nationwide, with a further 47 properties comprising over 11,400 keys in its development pipeline.