Marriott expects Saudi Arabia hotel portfolio to exceed 100 in 2025

Karim Cheltout Senior Vice President of Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

Saudi Arabia is Marriott International’s fastest-growing market in the Middle East and one of the most dynamic globally, said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President of Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

The company currently operates 44 properties in the Kingdom and has over 50 projects in development, which will bring Marriott’s portfolio to more than 100 properties by 2025.

In an interview with Argaam at the Future Hospitality Summit, Cheltout said Saudi Arabia ranks second by the number of Marriott hotels operating in the Middle East and Africa, and third globally by the number of rooms under development. This highlights the Kingdom’s strategic importance in Marriott’s global expansion.

Key openings expected in 2025 include W Riyadh–KAFD, marking the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia, and The Red Sea Edition on Shura Island, Red Sea Project.

Riyadh is Marriott’s largest and fastest-growing market in the Kingdom, followed by Jeddah. Makkah and Madinah are also strategic priorities, with nine operational hotels and 15 projects underway. These include Courtyard Makkah, set to be the brand’s largest worldwide with over 2,400 rooms.

In Madinah, Marriott is developing eight hotels under the Rou’a Al Madinah project, including a Sheraton with more than 600 rooms. Additional projects in Knowledge Economic City will add over 1,200 rooms.

In newer destinations like AlUla and the Red Sea, Marriott focuses on curated tourism experiences rooted in local heritage and nature. Projects include Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and St. Regis Red Sea.

Cheltout said Marriott’s Saudi presence is growing on the back of a strong 2024, with major hotel openings across various categories. Growth continued into early 2025, fueled by rising local and regional demand, as well as growing international interest.

Globally, revenue per room (RevPAR) increased more than 4%, driven by higher average daily rates (ADR) and strong occupancy in Saudi Arabia.

Luxury brands were a highlight in 2024, he said. Nujuma became the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Jeddah Edition launched as the brand’s Saudi debut. Bab Samhan, under The Luxury Collection, opened in the historic At-Turaif district.

Cheltout credited Vision 2030 for transforming Saudi tourism and noted a shift in Saudi traveler behavior. More travelers now seek experiences tied to heritage and identity.

A Marriott Bonvoy survey showed 53% of Saudis plan to travel more in 2025, while 83% are more adventurous in choosing destinations, favoring adventure tourism and heritage-based travel.

Marriott’s growth relies on long-term public-private partnerships, Cheltout said.

The company takes an integrated approach that includes talent development. The Tahseen Program, launched with Cornell University, has trained over 220 future hospitality leaders since 2017, he added.