SAUDI ARABIA | Recent dual Holiday-Inn Brand Family signings are expected to elevate the future hospitality vision in Al Madinah.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Co., a publicly listed company in Saudi Arabia, for two new hotels in the Islamic World District (IWD) within the holy city of Al Madinah.
The agreement will bring 1,057 rooms to Al Madinah, advancing KEC’s pivotal role in transforming the city into a world-class destination via enhanced infrastructure, particularly in religious and cultural experiences.
The Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah is a transformative project aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and economy. A key component is the Islamic World District (IWD), a mixed-use development focusing on world-class hospitality for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The district will offer a seamless experience for guests, combining hotels, residential areas, commercial spaces, and cultural attractions. By leveraging its strategic location near the Prophet's Mosque and Al-Haramain High-Speed Railway, the IWD is set to become a major hub for visitors and residents alike, contributing to the Holy City’s growth and development.
The 552-keys Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC and 505-keys Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC are scheduled to open in January 2029 in KEC’s cluster 01, a prime slot directly at the entrance of the Islamic World District (IWD) and parallel to the Haramain train station. Featuring a contemporary Najdi architectural style that blends modern design with Islamic cultural influences, both hotels will serve as the primary gateway to Madinah for international travellers arriving by air or rail.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence in the holy city of Al Madinah with two exceptional properties that will elevate the cultural experience of our guests while providing contemporary amenities,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for IHG.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering extraordinary hospitality, we are honoured to contribute to the development of the Knowledge Economic City and support the Kingdom's Vision 2030. These hotels will cater to the millions of religious pilgrims and business travellers visiting Al Madinah annually, offering world-class facilities in a location that seamlessly blends tradition with modern convenience.”
The Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC will feature a large All-Day-Dining outlet and an open lobby lounge making it ideal for both leisure and business travellers, while the Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC, will provide a more streamlined experience with accessible and comfortable accommodations aimed at religious pilgrims and value-conscious travellers.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the hospitality sector in Al Madinah in line with Vision 2030. We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts on this significant development within the Knowledge Economic City,” said Amin Shaker, Chairman of Knowledge Economic City.
“These two new hotels will play a pivotal role in elevating Al Madinah's status as a premier travellers’ destination, offering exceptional hospitality services to the city's increasing number of visitors.”
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