Six new hotels will come up in the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah following deals involving global hospitality majors Hilton and Marriott International.

Hilton has signed an agreement with Al Gharaa International for Real Estate Development to open three hotels within the Islamic World District of KEC.

The agreement, signed in December, marks the debut of Hilton’s award-winning extended stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and reaffirms the global hospitality company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for hospitality offerings across the kingdom, the company said.

The other two properties are: Hilton Garden Inn Madinah KEC Islamic World District and Hampton by Hilton Madinah KEC Islamic World District.

These three properties will add 1,415 keys to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia, offering guests access to short- and long-term accommodation and a wide range of value-added amenities and services, in line with the kingdom’s vision of elevating the hospitality landscape in the holy city as the country continues its plans of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

On the key partnership, KEC Chairman Amin Shaker said: “Collaborating with Hilton allows us to partner with globally recognised brands that cater to the needs of our residents and visitors, reinforcing our commitment to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 and positioning Madinah as a hub for religious tourism.”

Meanwhile, Marriott International has signed an agreement with KEC for three new hotels. The anticipated openings will be part of the KEC master-development and feature over 1,200 rooms across three of the company’s brands – Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott.

These projects will also be located within KEC’s Islamic World District which will feature a museum, cultural centre and plaza showcasing the diverse Islamic cultures from around the world.