This collaboration with Nahdet Al-Mashaer, a prominent religious hospitality firm, marks the beginning of the world’s largest Fairfield-branded property, encompassing an impressive 2,600 rooms.
Positioned strategically near the Grand Mosque, the hotel, consisting of five towers, aims to tap into the burgeoning religious tourism market. Construction has already commenced, with expectations set for an opening in 2023.
Jerome Briet, the Chief Development Officer for Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to establish a unique Fairfield by Marriott in Makkah, a highly coveted destination for an increasing number of religious pilgrims.
He further emphasized, “We anticipate that this hotel will emerge as a favored choice, particularly due to the robust demand for top-tier accommodations in the revered Holy City.”
At present, Saudi Arabia stands as Marriott International’s second-largest market in the Middle East. Its portfolio boasts 29 properties, encompassing over 8,000 rooms distributed among nine brands and spanning nine cities. The company has ambitious plans to expand its footprint in the Kingdom, aiming to incorporate 20 additional properties and more than 6,500 rooms by 2024. This substantial development pipeline is anticipated to create approximately 6,000 new employment opportunities within the country.