Makkah takes the lead in Saudi hotel pipeline

Makkah is leading hotel development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with 24,133 rooms in the construction pipeline.

The latest statistics from research group STR, indicate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded a rise in international tourist arrivals from 6.5 million in 2000 to over 18 million in 2014.

Saudi Arabia also reported 35,770 rooms in 81 hotels under construction, closely followed by the UAE with 26,989 rooms in 93 hotels.

Much of the increase in KSA was attributed to Hajj and Umrah travellers and it is estimated that the number will increase from 12 million in 2012 to almost 17 million in 2025.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also noted this year has already recorded a 5% rise in Umrah pilgrims, and is expected to rise 30% by 2020.

Abu Dhabi’s Rotana expects to add 1,400 rooms to its Saudi inventory in the next two years with properties in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Khobar.