3 Fairmont hotels to open in Saudi...

Properties in Al Khobar, Red Sea and Rua Madinah to deliver 616 keys by 2030

Accor will open three new Fairmont hotels and resorts in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its “long-term commitment to the region”.

Part of Accor, Fairmont currently has three properties in Saudi, a hotel and luxury residences in Riyadh and a hotel in the Holy City of Makkah.

The three new properties will add 616 keys to the kingdom over the next five years, contributing to the 320,000 hotel rooms expected to be added in Saudi by 2030.

The expansion, which extends Fairmont’s footprint to three new Saudi destinations – the Red Sea, Al Khobar and Madinah – reflects the brand’s focus on providing “timeless hospitality and cultural resonance”, according to Maarten Den Nieuwenhuijsen, Senior Vice President Openings and Guest Experience, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Render of Fairmont The Red Sea

Located in the kingdom’s regenerative Red Sea Project, Fairmont The Red Sea will offer 193 rooms, six distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with sea and mangrove views, a teens’ centre, kids’ clubs and a spa.

The resort will sit alongside an 18-hole championship golf course, on a 200km-long stretch of coastline, with access to 90 islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine life and ancient archaeological sites.

Arriving in 2027, Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will offer 160 rooms alongside serviced apartments, as well as four dining venues, a spa, fitness facilities and meeting rooms. Strategically located in the heart of Al Khobar's centre, the property will be part of the Ajdan Waterfront development, with retail and entertainment attractions on the doorstep.

Finally, Fairmont Rua Madinah will open in Madinah, joining Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, in establishing the brand’s presence in Saudi's Holy Cities. Overlooking the revered Prophet’s Mosque, the property will offer 143 rooms and suites, as well as 120 branded residences, dining outlets, a fitness centre and spa and a kids’ club.

Render of Fairmont Rua Madinah

Commenting on the expansion, Rolf Lippuner, Vice President, Operations for Middle East Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said: “With its rich heritage and bold vision for the future, the kingdom offers an unparalleled mix of genuine yet exceptional and cutting-edge innovation, providing the perfect backdrop for creating captivating and meaningful guest experiences.”

As Saudi targets 150 million visitors a year by 2030, development in the kingdom accelerates, with hotel rooms more than doubling in Q3 2024, from 214,600 to 443,200, and plans to reach 763,200 2030, according to Knight Frank.

With a portfolio of 92 properties worldwide, Fairmont is expanding rapidly across the GCC region, with plans to open a hotel in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), its first property in the northern emirate and sixth in the UAE.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com

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