IHG Expands in Al Madinah with 1,000+ Keys, Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

IHG’s Bold Step Towards Transforming Al Madinah’s Hospitality Landscape

In a strategic move supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) Co. to open two hotels in the heart of the Islamic World District (IWD), Al Madinah. This ambitious project will add 1,057 rooms to the holy city’s hospitality offerings, reinforcing Al Madinah’s reputation as a premier destination for religious pilgrims and cultural travelers.

A Visionary Development in Knowledge Economic City (KEC)
The Islamic World District is a landmark component of Knowledge Economic City, an expansive mixed-use development that integrates hotels, residential spaces, commercial areas, and cultural attractions. Strategically located near the Prophet’s Mosque and the Al-Haramain High-Speed Railway station, the district will offer unparalleled convenience to millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as business travelers.

The project will feature two new IHG hotels:

1. Holiday Inn & Suites IWD KEC (552 keys) – Designed for both leisure and business travelers, this property will boast an All-Day Dining outlet, an open lobby lounge, and modern Najdi-inspired architecture.
2. Holiday Inn Express IWD KEC (505 keys) – A streamlined option catering to value-conscious travelers and religious pilgrims, offering accessible and comfortable accommodations.

Both properties are slated for a January 2029 opening in Cluster 01 of the Islamic World District, positioned as the gateway to Al Madinah for international visitors.

Enhancing Pilgrim and Visitor Experiences
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for IHG in India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the significance of these hotels in enriching the guest experience:
“These properties will combine contemporary comfort with cultural authenticity, catering to millions of visitors annually. We are honored to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by developing world-class facilities that meet the needs of today’s travelers.”

A Commitment to Vision 2030
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes expanding tourism and improving hospitality infrastructure to accommodate a growing number of international visitors. Chairman of Knowledge Economic City, Amin Shaker, expressed optimism:
“This collaboration with IHG strengthens our efforts to position Al Madinah as a global destination, blending tradition with innovation and elevating hospitality standards.”

Setting New Benchmarks in Hospitality
The two hotels will aim to redefine the standards of service in Al Madinah by introducing cutting-edge accommodations while honoring the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The Holiday Inn & Suites will cater to diverse needs with premium amenities, while the Holiday Inn Express will focus on efficient, high-quality stays for cost-conscious travelers.

Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward achieving Vision 2030, the development of the Islamic World District and these new IHG hotels marks a significant milestone. By blending cultural tradition with modern conveniences, this collaboration aims to attract millions of visitors annually, ensuring Al Madinah remains a pivotal destination for both spiritual and cultural exploration.