Marriott International has reached a significant development milestone in Saudi Arabia, announcing a combined total of 100 open and pipeline hotels across the Kingdom. The achievement follows the signing of a new agreement with SEDCO Capital for Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar, a 1,100-room property scheduled to open in 2030 within Makkah’s landmark Masar masterplan.
The milestone reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping global hospitality expansion strategies, particularly as international brands align themselves with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
A strategic foothold in the Holy City
The newly signed Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar will occupy a prime site within Masar—an ambitious urban development designed to enhance mobility, visitor services and the overall pilgrimage experience. The hotel is expected to deliver modern accommodation and large-scale capacity at a time when Makkah’s infrastructure is being reimagined for future visitor flows.
The property will span more than 4,500 square metres and is planned to feature 1,100 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, meeting spaces including a ballroom, a fitness centre, children’s facilities and dedicated retail areas. Its placement along Masar’s central pedestrian spine will offer guests direct, convenient access to Masjid al-Haram.
The project supports Saudi Arabia’s objective of hosting 30 million annual pilgrims and enhancing the quality, safety and fluidity of movement throughout the Holy City.
Marriott executives describe the 100-property milestone as a reflection of the Kingdom’s expanding tourism economy and growing demand for diverse hospitality offerings.
“Achieving the 100-property milestone in Saudi Arabia underscores Marriott’s commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The signing of Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar reflects our confidence in the Kingdom’s tourism growth and infrastructure development. As part of our broader expansion aligned with Vision 2030, this project also strengthens our presence in the Holy City of Makkah and will offer visitors a modern, service-oriented hospitality experience within the landmark Masar master plan.”
Marriott hotels have operated in the Kingdom for more than 40 years, with the company currently managing 44 properties and over 11,000 rooms across 13 brands. Courtyard by Marriott—its largest global brand—already operates six hotels within the country.
SEDCO Capital and Umm Al Qura: local partners driving transformation
The project is being developed with SEDCO Capital, a Jeddah-based Shariah-compliant investment firm with longstanding experience in Makkah’s hotel sector. The company sees the new Courtyard by Marriott as part of a wider strategy to create resilient, ethical, and investor-oriented real estate opportunities aligned with Vision 2030.
For Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, owner and developer of the Masar destination, the partnership contributes to reshaping Makkah’s urban environment. Its masterplan integrates hospitality, cultural spaces, retail, transport infrastructure and improved pedestrian connectivity, all designed to elevate the city’s resident and pilgrim experience.
A city undergoing major transformation
The announcement comes as Makkah continues to experience steady growth in visitation, driven by sustained religious tourism and expanding domestic travel. Large-scale projects such as Masar—supported by significant public and private investment—aim to modernise the city’s infrastructure while preserving its spiritual significance for millions of visitors each year.
For luxury travel advisors, the development highlights the increasing sophistication of Makkah’s hospitality landscape. While the Courtyard brand is oriented toward contemporary, service-driven accommodation rather than ultra-luxury offerings, the scale of the property and its integration within Masar demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring ample, high-quality capacity for the world’s largest annual gatherings of travellers.
Marriott’s expansion mirrors broader industry trends as Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate hospitality development across its key destinations—from the Holy Cities to the Red Sea, Diriyah, NEOM, and beyond. Within this context, Makkah remains one of the most strategically important centres for long-term investment, driven by consistent year-round demand and the unique nature of pilgrimage-driven visitation.
As the Kingdom prepares for unprecedented tourism growth over the coming decade, global operators are increasingly positioning themselves to support—and benefit from—the transformation. Marriott’s 100-property milestone is another marker of how deeply international hospitality brands are now embedded in the Kingdom’s future.
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Photo top of page: Render of the Masar Destination in which the Courtyard by Marriott will be located.
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