World’s largest Sofitel hotel to open in Saudi Arabia in 2026

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Signing of agreement for Sofitel in Makkah at FHS Dubai

Accor has signed an agreement to open the world’s largest Sofitel property in Makkah, further strengthening its portfolio in Saudi Arabia, which now counts 42 operational hotels and 34 more in the development pipeline across the kingdom.

Scheduled to open in 2026, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will feature 1,141 rooms and suites across two towers within the prestigious Jabal Omar development, just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the city’s holiest mosque.

When it opens, it will overtake Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, which debuted in February 2025 with 615 rooms, as the largest Sofitel hotel worldwide.

The Makkah hotel will be split across twin towers – Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah North and South – with rooms and suites offering views of the Holy Mosque and city, and interiors that blend French design with Saudi influences.

Makkah's Jabal Omar development

Six dining venues will include a fine-dining restaurant combining French and Middle Eastern flavours, an all-day dining concept and intimate lounges.

Guests staying in Club Millésime will enjoy personalised service and all-day culinary experiences, while additional facilities will include executive meeting spaces and multiple fitness centres.

Wellbeing will be central to the hotel’s offering, with curated rituals, locally inspired teas, and bespoke amenities crafted by Saudi artisans.

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Jean-Baptiste Recher, Chief Development Officer, Luxury Brands, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye at Accor, said: “Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah is a landmark achievement for Accor in the Middle East luxury sector. The hotel exemplifies our commitment to creating world-class properties that harmonise local heritage with French luxury, offering guests an unparalleled experience at the heart of Makkah.”

The signing forms part of the wider Jabal Omar mixed-use development, which aims to support Saudi’s strategy to accommodate 30 million annual pilgrims by 2030.

Pilgrim arrivals exceeded 15.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 32.3% year-on-year increase, driving sustained demand for upscale hospitality investment in the Holy City.

According to Knight Frank, more than 8,500 new hotel rooms are currently under construction in Makkah across 12 projects, including the Rua Al Haram and Masar Destination developments, bringing the city’s total inventory to over 71,000 rooms by 2027.

Rotana also recently signed a 655-key hotel within the Jabal Omar masterplan, also designed as a multi-tower complex.

For more information, visit group.accor.com