Global hospitality group Marriott International has signed a landmark agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight new hotels in the Saudi city.

 These will add 4,400 rooms across eight of the company’s brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott. 

 As per the deal, Rua Al Madinah will be responsible for the development masterplan for the project and other real estate projects in the Saudi city as one of the key initiatives of the Public Investment Fund to achieve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

 Located in close proximity to the main mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi, the planned properties will be part of the Rua Al Madinah Project which aims to elevate the service and travel experience for visitors of Madinah.

Rua Al Madinah CEO Engineer Ahmed Al Juhani said: “Among these properties is The Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinah which is slated to offer 151 luxurious rooms and suites including a signature Ritz-Carlton suite, multiple dining concepts, a 500-sq m ballroom, an expansive fitness centre and Ritz Kids space.

Other properties include:

• JW Marriott Rua Al Madinah, which will feature 252 guestrooms and suites along with multiple dining concepts, a fitness centre and meeting room facilities;

• Madinah Marriott Hotel Rua Al Madinah with 450 spacious guest rooms and suites in addition to dining, recreation, and meeting facilities;

• Le Méridien Rua Al Madinah featuring 533 guest rooms and suites, and three dining concepts alongside recreation and meeting facilities;

• Westin Rua Al Madinah with 361 rooms and suites, three dining outlets, a fitness centre, a kids club, and meeting facilities.

• Four Points by Sheraton Rua Al Madinah featuring 777 rooms and apartments, two all-day dining concepts, spacious meeting facilities, and a fitness centre;

• Aloft Rua Al Madinah and Courtyard by Marriott Rua Al Madinah, offering a combined 1,810 rooms and suites, 1,100 sq m of meeting space facilities, and multiple dining and recreation offerings.

 According to him, the Rua Al Madinah Project is expected to cover 1.5 million sq m, including 47,000 new rooms by 2030.