Knowledge Economic City (KEC), the pioneering publicly listed developer contributing to the transformation of Madinah, announced plans to deliver more than 11,000 hotel keys in the near future, marking one of the largest hospitality expansions in the region. With a total investment exceeding SAR 24 billion, including SAR 6.8 billion allocated to the hospitality and hotel sector, this milestone reinforces KEC’s pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s tourism and quality of life objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Inaugural of TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, the world’s premier platform for shaping the future of global tourism, bringing together global leaders from across multiple sectors to redefine the industry- where KEC highlighted its strategic hospitality portfolio and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s growing tourism and investment landscape.
Positioned as Madinah’s Gateway to the Future, KEC redefining the city’s urban and hospitality landscape through the development of vibrant, human-centric destinations that seamlessly merge innovation, culture, and spirituality. Each project under KEC’s hospitality portfolio contributes to transforming Madinah into a thriving global destination for visitors, residents, and investors alike.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Amin Shaker, Chairman of the board at Knowledge Economic City, said: “Our hospitality investments embody our commitment to building a future-ready Madinah that welcomes the world. Through our upcoming 11,000 hotel keys, we are not only expanding capacity but creating spaces that reflect Madinah’s unique identity, a place where culture, comfort, and connectivity coexist”.
KEC’s most ambitious hospitality projects:
- Islamic World District (IWD) is set to become a global cultural and hospitality landmark featuring nearly 20,000 hotel rooms upon completion. Phase One alone will offer approximately 5,141 hotel rooms with a total project investment of SAR 6.56 billion, of which SAR 4.3 billion is allocated to the hospitality sector. The hotels will be operated by leading international hospitality groups:
- Hilton Worldwide, which will offer 1,415 rooms including Home2 Suites for the first time in the region, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton by Hilton
- Marriott International, which will present Courtyard Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and Residence Inn by Marriott with a total of 1,264 rooms.
- Radisson Hotel Group, operating Park Inn by Radisson and Park Inn Residence with a total of 757 rooms
- Archipelago International manages Aston Hotel and Aston Residence with a total of 649 rooms.
- Al Alyaa Gated Community, a fully integrated human-centric mixed-use and hospitality destination, represents a total investment of SAR 3.35 billion. featuring Hyatt Centric with 144 rooms, Hyatt House serviced apartments with 480 units. The project also includes retail spaces, educational facilities, and leisure amenities designed to foster modern, connected community experience, with a total investment of SAR 3.35 Billion, of which nearly 682 million is allocated to the hospitality sector.
- Multaqa Al Madinah: The future destination currently being developed to become the leading hub for visitors to Madinah, offering an integrated experience that meets the needs of shopping, leisure, and recreation. The project includes a five-star Hilton Hotel with 390 rooms, with a total investment of SAR 2.44 billion, of which SAR 673 million is allocated to the hospitality sector. It also features a conference hall accommodating 750 guests, and 66 branded serviced residences, surrounded by a vibrant entertainment and retail zone that connects business and leisure in the heart of the city. Also “Hospitality Hub” is directly connected to the largest mall in the Madinah region and other urban services. Phase One will include 670 hotel rooms operated by Marriott and JW Marriott, with a total investment of SAR 1.9 billion.
- Madinah Gate, Serving as the modern gateway to the city, the project includes a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel with 325 rooms, with a hospitality investment of SAR 228 million and a total project investment of SAR 620.5 million. It also features integrated commercial and transport facilities designed to serve visitors and pilgrims efficiently.
- Knowledge Gardens, A distinctive destination within KEC, the project represents a total investment of SAR 2.9 billion and includes 440 hotel rooms and 260 serviced apartments.
- UHUD Vista, a prominent mixed-use destination redefining luxury living in Madinah. The total project investment amounts to SAR 789.95 million. Ideally located along the main axis connecting the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station and the Prophet’s Mosque, the project offers direct views of Mount Uhud and includes 240 hotel rooms.
- Tala Heights, an integrated urban model that combines modern living, hospitality, and leisure in a green, pedestrian-friendly environment designed for comfort and safety. The total investment amounts to SAR 1.26 billion, and the project features a mix of residential, hospitality, and commercial units, including 459 hotel rooms and 248 serviced apartments.
- Madinah View, a unique destination combining hospitality, events, conferences, and upscale retail at the heart of KEC, with a total investment of SAR 2.3 billion. The project includes a grand 5,000 sqm banquet hall and 900 hotel rooms.
- Duha Al Madinah, a modern urban destination reimagining lifestyle in the city through a mix of residential and hospitality units set amid scenic landscapes and designed to create a balanced and harmonious environment. The total project investment amounts to SAR 1.54 billion and includes 401 hotel rooms.
Through these landmark developments, Knowledge Economic City reaffirms its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and strengthening Madinah’s positioning as a leading global tourism destination that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing innovation, sustainability, and progress.
