Blacksand and Marriott International have signed an agreement to develop 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia over the next four years, representing more than 1,300 rooms across multiple Marriott brands.
The multi-brand deal spans Marriott’s luxury, premium, select and extended-stay portfolios, including St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The agreement establishes a long-term collaboration between the two companies on projects tied to the country’s tourism and urban development plans.
“This agreement marks a defining milestone for Blacksand and reflects the scale of our ambition,” said Omar Alabdullatif, CEO of Blacksand. “Our collaboration with Marriott International brings globally recognized brands together and a shared commitment to creating exceptional hospitality offerings in the Kingdom. An agreement of this caliber is one that supports the shaping of the future of an already ambitious nation, and we are proud to be there setting the benchmark for quality, experience, and long-term value.”
“This landmark deal with Blacksand reflects Marriott’s continued focus on diversifying our portfolio across Saudi Arabia to deliver meaningful hospitality experiences in line with the country’s tourism priorities,” said Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “From immersive resort escapes and design-led stays to vibrant social hubs and extended-stay living, we look forward to introducing a range of experiences tailored to meet the evolving needs of travelers visiting the Kingdom.”
The projects are in design planning and early construction stages, with phased openings scheduled through 2030. Properties will open in multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, with the first hotel expected to open in Riyadh. The 10 hotels are expected to generate more than 6,000 full-time roles upon completion, with at least 60% allocated to Saudi nationals.
Blacksand and Marriott said the agreement lays the foundation for future collaboration as both companies continue expanding their joint portfolio in Saudi Arabia.