Marriott International and Blacksand have signed an agreement to develop 10 hotels across Saudi Arabia over the next four years, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s expanding hospitality sector. Announced during the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, the multi-brand partnership will add more than 1,300 rooms and support the country’s tourism and urban development ambitions.
The agreement establishes a long-term collaboration between the two companies and will see the development of hotels across Marriott International’s luxury, premium, select-service and extended-stay portfolio. Brands included in the pipeline are St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy.
The projects are currently in the design planning and early construction stages, with phased openings scheduled through to 2030. The first hotel is expected to open in Riyadh, with additional properties planned across multiple cities in the Kingdom.
The developments are expected to create more than 6,000 full-time jobs, with at least 60 per cent of the positions allocated to Saudi nationals.
Omar Alabdullatif, Chief Executive Officer of Blacksand, said, “This agreement marks a defining milestone for Blacksand and reflects the scale of our ambition. Our collaboration with Marriott International brings globally recognised brands together and a shared commitment to creating exceptional hospitality offerings in the Kingdom. An agreement of this calibre is one that supports the shaping of the future of an already ambitious nation, and we are proud to be there, setting the benchmark for quality, experience, and long-term value.”
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, added, “This landmark deal with Blacksand reflects Marriott’s continued focus on diversifying our portfolio across Saudi Arabia to deliver meaningful hospitality experiences in line with the country’s tourism priorities. From immersive resort escapes and design-led stays to vibrant social hubs and extended-stay living, we look forward to introducing a range of experiences tailored to meet the evolving needs of travellers visiting the Kingdom.”
