Following an agreement with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, Marriott International has announced plans to build up to eight hotels in the Holy City of Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

The new openings will include approximately 4,400 rooms divided among eight of the hotel chain’s most recognizable brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott.

According to Travel Pulse, as part of the Rua Al Madinah Project, the hotels will be constructed near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, known as the “Prophet’s Mosque” in English. This will provide visitors with an improved stay in Madinah. By 2030, the expansion is expected to encompass 1.5 million square meters and include 47,000 added rooms.

There will be a total of 252 rooms and suites at the JW Marriott Rua Al Madinah in addition to several different dining options, a fitness center, and a meeting space. The Ritz-Carlton, Rua Al Madinah will feature 151 rooms and suites, including the signature Ritz-Carlton suite, as well as a 500-square-meter ballroom and a Ritz Kids area.

The Le Méridien Rua Al Madinah will have 533 contemporary suites and guest rooms, as well as three dining concepts in addition to recreation and meeting facilities, while The Westin Rua Al Madinah will have 361 rooms and suites, three dining outlets, a fitness center, a kids club, and meeting facilities. The Madinah Marriott Hotel Rua Al Madinah will provide guests with an additional 450 expansive guest rooms and suites, in addition to dining, recreation, and meeting facilities.

Aloft Rua Al Madinah and Courtyard by Marriott Rua Al Madinah will each have 1,810 rooms and suites, 1,100 square meters of meeting space, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. Four Points by Sheraton Rua Al Madinah is anticipated to add 777 contemporary rooms and apartments, two all-day dining concepts, spacious meeting facilities, and a fitness center.

“There is a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation in Madinah and we are delighted to work with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to support the enhancement and diversification of the city’s hospitality landscape,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “This multi-deal agreement also strengthens our footprint in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see strong growth momentum in line with the Kingdom’s vision for its tourism sector.”

There are currently 36 hotels in Saudi Arabia under the Marriott brand, with more than 10,000 rooms across 11 different brands.

“The agreement with one of the world’s leading hospitality operators brings the Rua Al Madinah project a step closer to realizing its ambitions to further enrich Madinah city’s Hajj and Umrah services,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company. “This collaboration will culminate in the launch of eight new hotels and nearly 4,400 rooms that will serve both residents as well as visitors from around the world looking to visit Madinah.”