Hilton Signs Agreement with Knowledge Economic City to Open Three Hotels in Madinah
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signingof an agreement with Al-Gharaa International for Real Estate Development to open three hotelsin the Islamic World District of Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah. The agreementwas signed in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz AlSaud, representatives from Knowledge Economic City and Hilton.
The agreement marks the debut of Hilton’s award-winning extended stay brand, Home2 Suites
by Hilton, in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and reaffirms the global hospitality company’s
commitment to diversifying its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for hospitality offerings
across the Kingdom.
Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership,
stating, “Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud, we are committed to delivering developments that embody the spirit of Madinah as a
global destination. Collaborating with Hilton allows us to partner with globally recognised brands
that cater to the needs of our residents and visitors, reinforcing our commitment to the
Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and positioning Madinah as a hub for religious tourism.”
The properties will add 1,415 keys to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia, offering guests
access to short- and long-term accommodation and a wide range of value-added amenities and
services, in line with the Kingdom’s vision of elevating the hospitality landscape in the Holy City
as the country continues its plans of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.
Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, MEA, Hilton, said, “Saudi Arabia is our
fastest-growing market in the region with more than 70 hotels in the pipeline. We are fully
committed to meeting the growing demand for world-class hospitality across all price points
throughout the Kingdom. Expanding our partnership with Knowledge Economic City will do just
that – delivering upscale and affordable accommodation for the thousands of people and
families visiting the Holy City. The development of these three focused-service brands will
perfectly complement the Hilton Madinah KEC Hub currently under construction.”
Mohammed bin Abdul Hamid Al Sheikh Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer, KEC, added,
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in realising KEC’s vision to create a world-
class destination that offers unmatched experiences to visitors and residents alike. Our
collaboration with Hilton underscores our dedication to developing a dynamic Islamic World
District that seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the cultural and spiritual significance of
Madinah.”
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class
brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries
and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth
of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was
named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been
recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive
years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest
experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the
ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program
Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton
can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors
app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key
and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and
connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
