Accor boosts Saudi pipeline with Novotel Madinah hotel

Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Saudi Arabia, is strengthening its footprint in the kingdom with the signing of Novotel Madinah North.

Developed in partnership with Arbah Taiba, the midscale property is scheduled to open in 2028 in Madinah, increasing Accor’s development pipeline in the Holy City to 6,700 keys.

The signing follows surging demand for quality midscale stays in Madinah. In the first quarter of 2025, the city recorded over 6.45 million travellers, with international visitors accounting for 68% – a 10.7% year-on-year rise driven by increased Umrah traffic.

Located just minutes from Al Masjid an-Nabawi, Islam’s second holiest site, Novotel Madinah North will offer guests convenient access to the city’s key religious landmarks. The modern, design-led hotel will feature 200 rooms alongside a restaurant, lobby lounge, fitness centre and four flexible meeting rooms, catering to both pilgrims and business travellers.

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Commenting on the signing, Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, said: ”This agreement strengthens Accor’s long-term strategy to deepen our presence across Saudi Arabia, particularly in the holy cities where demand for high-quality accommodation continues to accelerate.

"Our partnership with Arbah Taiba allows us to deliver a property that aligns with international standards while honoring the unique character and spiritual significance of Madinah.”

Novotel Madinah North will further enhance Accor’s extensive portfolio across Saudi’s Holy Cities. The group currently operates 40 properties (17,000 keys) across 15 brands in the kingdom, with more than 60 additional projects under development representing another 17,000 keys. In Madinah alone, Accor operates 14 hotels, comprising 12,600 keys.

Recent developments include Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah (1,141 keys), a new Mövenpick hotel in partnership with Al Qimmah Hospitality, and the upcoming ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah and Mercure Makkah Shesha.

For more information, visit accor.com