Tourexpi
Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Jabal Omar
Makkah, a landmark luxury property set to become the largest Sofitel hotel in
the world when it opens in 2026. Located within the prestigious Jabal Omar
master development and just steps from the Holy Mosque, the hotel will feature 1,141
rooms and suites spread across two towers.
A symbol of cultural connection
“We are honored to introduce Sofitel in Makkah, a city
that holds immense spiritual and cultural importance,” said Maud Bailly, CEO
Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah
will stand as a symbol of hospitality, serenity, and connection — a place where
our French zest meets Saudi authenticity.”
The hotel’s design fuses French art de vivre with Saudi
heritage, offering breathtaking views of the Holy Mosque. Guests will
experience six distinctive dining venues, including a fine-dining restaurant
blending French and Middle Eastern cuisine, elegant all-day dining options, and
intimate lounges for gatherings and reflection. A Club Millésime executive
lounge will provide tailored culinary and lifestyle experiences.
Crafted luxury with local soul
Beyond dining, the property will feature curated
wellness rituals, locally inspired teas, and bespoke amenities crafted by Saudi
artisans. Every element — from scent to flavor — will reflect Sofitel’s
philosophy of Heartfelt and Committed Luxury with a French Zest.
Partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company
The project is being developed in partnership with Jabal
Omar Development Company (JODC), one of the Middle East’s largest publicly
listed real estate firms and a driving force in Makkah’s ongoing
transformation.
“Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah is a landmark achievement
for Accor in the Middle East luxury sector,” said Jean-Baptiste Recher, Chief
Development Officer Luxury Brands Middle East, Africa & Türkiye. “The hotel
harmonizes local heritage with French luxury, offering guests an unparalleled
experience at the heart of Makkah.”
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
For Accor, the signing underscores its commitment to Saudi
Arabia’s Vision 2030, advancing tourism diversification through high-impact
developments.
“The world’s largest Sofitel in Makkah reflects our
ambition to grow the brand in strategic markets,” said Xavier Grange, Chief
Development Officer, Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery & Emblems. “It will
embody French luxury on a global stage while reinforcing Accor’s leadership in
the Kingdom’s hospitality landscape.”
Once completed, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will stand
as a defining symbol of cross-cultural hospitality — merging Saudi spirituality
with French sophistication in one of the world’s most sacred destinations.
Image
Credit: © Sofitel
The most interesting news
Read the News

Turkish tourism stays resilient despite regional conflicts
Strong summer demand keeps visitor numbers stable as TURSAB calls for broader tourism products and tighter rules for foreign digital booking platforms
Read the News

Carnival Tropicale opens bookings ahead of 2028 Galveston debut
Carnival Cruise Line’s fifth and final Excel-class ship will sail from Texas to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico from April 2028
Read the News

PAM Hotels expands MICE focus across Mexico and Latin America
The group presented 14 properties across nine brands at IBTM Americas 2026, targeting new business from meetings, incentives, congresses and corporate events
Read the News

Nicaragua waives VAT on tourism services during September holidays
Hotels, hostels and restaurants can join the nine-day tax incentive from September 12 to 20 as Nicaragua seeks to stimulate domestic travel during its patriotic holidays
Read the News

Asia: Agoda identifies six emerging destinations for sleep tourism
From Japanese hot springs to Vietnamese mountain lakes, Agoda highlights quieter Asian destinations for travelers increasingly prioritizing rest and recovery
Read the News

Caribbean and Brazil: Palladium Hotel Group unveils festive season program
Grand Palladium, TRS Hotels and Family Selection resorts will offer special dining, entertainment and in-room experiences across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Brazil
Read the News

Brazil: Pantanal opens up a world of jaguar safaris and nature adventures
Brazil’s vast tropical wetland combines wildlife watching, river journeys, traditional ranch life and conservation experiences across Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul
Read the News

Eurowings opens new crew training centre in Dusseldorf
New 2,000-square-metre facility near Dusseldorf Airport will train up to 150 crew members a day, with virtual reality technology to follow in 2027
Read the News

UK tourist tax plans raise concerns over international competitiveness
WTTC warns uncapped overnight visitor levies in England could reduce demand, divert spending abroad and put tourism jobs and investment at risk
Read the News

Qatar Airways expands winter network to more than 170 destinations
Canberra and Zanzibar return to the network as the airline adds frequencies across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East
Read the News

Istanbul Airport targets luxury aviation with new private terminal
Around 3,600 VVIP passengers have used the JETEX-IGA facility since May, with particularly strong demand from Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East
Read the News

Hilton ranks as Asia’s best workplace for second consecutive year
The hotel group marks a decade as the region’s highest-ranked hospitality employer while its Asia-Pacific workforce grows to more than 99,000
Read the News

Germany’s inbound tourism gains momentum during summer season
International overnight stays rose 3.2 percent in July, while travel industry sentiment points to further growth in the months ahead
Read the News

Eurowings expands winter network from Germany and the Czech Republic
New routes and extended services connect Berlin with Bologna, Dusseldorf with Milan and Tallinn, and Prague with Finnish Lapland
Read the News

Agoda matches Asian hidden gems with the twelve zodiac signs
From Niseko’s ski slopes to Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes, Agoda turns astrology into inspiration for exploring lesser-known destinations across Asia
Read the News

Colombia adds 20 new international air routes in 2026
Ten airlines are expanding connectivity from the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, adding almost 15,500 weekly seats to Colombia
Read the News

Thailand: TAT promotes wellness and MICE tourism at Gastech 2026
Thailand is using the global energy conference in Bangkok to showcase wellness, culture and responsible travel to more than 50,000 international professionals
Read the News

Nicaragua strengthens tourism promotion in Canada
The Nicaraguan Tourism Institute presented the destination to travel industry professionals in Toronto and Montreal as part of the Canada Roadshow 2026
Read the News

Türkiye ranks among top non-EU destinations for European travellers
Eurostat data shows Türkiye was one of the three most popular destinations outside the European Union for EU residents in 2024
Read the News

ALTA aviation conference focuses on regulation and competitiveness
More than 170 airline executives, lawyers and industry experts discussed legal and aeropolitical challenges facing aviation across Latin America and the Caribbean
Read the News

Emirates expands travel rehearsals for neurodiverse families in Australia
Airport and aircraft simulations in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne are designed to help passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities prepare for their journey
