Accor is set to open three properties in the upcoming project by Rua Al Madinah Holding Company in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project includes a 142-key Fairmont hotel and 120 Fairmont-branded residences, in addition to a 466-key Swissôtel and a 328-key Novotel.
Rua Al Madinah Project’s masterplan covers over 1.5 million square meters of space, with direct views of Al Masjid al Nabawi, known as the Prophet’s Mosque, and includes 47,000 hotel rooms. The masterplan constitutes 63 percent of the open spaces and 37 percent of the built area. The project has been designed according to the highest international standards and offers many integrated transportation solutions, including nine bus stops for visitors and underground parking.
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Asia-Pacific for premium, midscale and economy brands at Accor, said: “We are very proud to sign the first Swissôtel property and strengthen our Novotel offering in the holy city of Madinah. Through these signings, our primary goal is to support the diverse offering at the master development of Rua Al Madinah while continuing a long-term relationship with PIF and accordingly Rua Al Madinah Holding Company.”
Fairmont Rua Al Madinah will feature 142 spacious rooms and suites, overlooking the Prophet’s Mosque, a variety of dining venues, an exclusive guest lounge, kids club, fitness center and spa. In addition, the property will also include 120 branded residences with their own luxury offerings, such as a residents’ lobby, lounge, kids’ club and fitness center, offering guests the comfort of home merged with the services of a hotel, marking it the first branded residence project of its kind in Madinah.
Novotel Rua Al Madinah will offer 328 hotel rooms that feature a modern and comfortable design, along with an all-day dining restaurant and a social hub, with a food bar and grab-and-go concept.
Swissôtel Rua Al Madinah will boast 466 rooms, suites and apartments, with a direct view over the Prophet’s Mosque. The hotel is set to provide an array of premium products and venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, an exclusive guest lounge and a lobby lounge café.
The project aims to contribute to realizing the Vision 2030 objective of attracting 30 million Umrah pilgrims every year to the kingdom by 2030.
Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,334 keys) in Saudi Arabia, with a development pipeline of 35 properties (7,362 keys).