Accor continues to grow in Holy Cities with new Novotel property in Madinah

Accor Hotels unveiled its plans to introduce a new 200-key Novotel Madinah North, which will be located minutes from the Al Masjid an-Nabawi, the second largest mosque and holiest site in Islam. It is scheduled to open in 2028.

Accor is already the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the latest hotel follows an agreement with Madinah-based developer Arbah Taiba for Real Estate Development.

Now entering the development phase, Novotel Madinah North will embody Novotel’s ‘Longevity Everyday’ positioning – creating uplifting, well-designed spaces that support balance, rest, nourishment and meaningful moments during every stay.

The 200 modern guest rooms will be complemented by a selection of facilities, including a restaurant, a lobby lounge, fitness centre, and four flexible meeting rooms. Its design and amenities make it well-suited to business travellers, families and domestic guests alike.

Madinah continues to experience rapid growth, welcoming more than 3.7 million visitors in the second quarter of 2025 alone, following a total of 18 million visitors in 2024. The new Novotel will directly address the rising accommodation demand by expanding quality options for pilgrims, business travellers and domestic guests.

Accor expands presence in Madinah

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 honouring the unique character and spiritual significance of Madinah.”

Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman, Arbah Taiba, added: “Arbah Taiba has long contributed to Madinah’s urban development and this partnership with Accor represents an important step in elevating the city’s hospitality offering.

“By combining our local insight with Accor’s global operating expertise, we are introducing a hotel that aligns with global best practices while serving the needs of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. Novotel Madinah North marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, and we look forward to developing further projects that continue to support Madinah’s growth.”

With this agreement, Accor reinforces its position in Saudi Arabia and the holy cities, adding to a year of significant development achievements and expanding its significant local pipeline to 6,700 keys.

Accor currently operates 40+ hotels and branded residences across Saudi Arabia, totaling more than 17,000 keys across 15 brands, with more than 60 committed projects in the pipeline, amounting to approximately 17,000 keys.

In the holy cities alone, Accor operates 14 hotels, representing 12,600 keys. This year has seen notable growth in both Makkah and Madinah, with new developments such as Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah (1,141 keys), a new Mövenpick project with Al Qimmah Hospitality, and the upcoming ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah and Mercure Makkah Shesha.