Blacksand and Marriott International announce landmark agreement to open 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia | News
Blacksand and Marriott International have announced the signing of a landmark agreement to develop ten hotels, representing more than 1,300 rooms, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the next four years. The multi-brand deal ensures a long-term partnership between both companies to deliver projects that match the country’s evolving ambitions in tourism and urban development.
Omar Alabdullatif, Chief Executive Officer of Blacksand, said: “This agreement marks a decisive milestone for Blacksand and reflects the scale of our ambition. Our partnership with Marriott International brings together globally recognized brands and a shared commitment to creating exceptional hospitality offerings in the Kingdom. An agreement of this caliber is one that will support shaping the future of an already ambitious nation, and we are proud to set the benchmark for quality, experience and value over the long term.”
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International added: “This groundbreaking deal with Blacksand reflects Marriott’s continued focus on diversifying our portfolio in Saudi Arabia to deliver meaningful hospitality experiences in line with the country’s tourism priorities. From immersive resort escapes and design-driven stays to vibrant social hubs and extended-stay living, we look forward to introducing a range of experiences tailored to the evolving needs of travelers visiting the kingdom.”
The agreement includes the development of hotels across Marriott’s luxury, premium, select and extended stay brands, including St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. This hotel portfolio aims to combine the prestige of a global brand and design excellence with locally inspired concepts and enhanced guest experiences.
The projects are currently in design planning and early construction phases, with phased openings planned through 2030. Planned properties will open in multiple cities across the Kingdom, with the first hotel expected to open in Riyadh. Once completed, the ten hotels are expected to generate more than 6,000 full-time positions, of which at least 60% will be allocated to Saudi nationals.
Blacksand and Marriott are committed to a relationship that lays the foundation for future collaboration, as both organizations remain committed to expanding their joint portfolio across the Kingdom and supporting the country’s growing role as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging tourism destinations.
