Rotana residences are entering a new phase of growth as the hospitality company launches its first branded residential project in Saudi Arabia. The development will expand the company’s presence in Makkah while supporting rising demand for premium serviced accommodation. Furthermore, the project reflects continued investment in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector.
Rotana signed an agreement with Zawaya Properties Company to develop The Residences by Rotana at Thakher. The new project forms part of a major mixed-use destination located about 1.5 kilometers from the Grand Mosque. Officials expect the development to attract long-term guests, business travelers, and religious visitors.
The residential project will include 240 fully serviced apartments. These units will provide hotel-style services for residents seeking extended stays. In addition, pilgrims and tourists will benefit from high-quality accommodation close to important religious sites.
The agreement marks Rotana’s first branded residences development in Saudi Arabia. It also represents the company’s entry into the Kingdom’s growing branded residential market. As demand increases, developers continue expanding luxury accommodation options.
The latest project strengthens Rotana’s overall expansion strategy across Saudi Arabia. The company’s portfolio now includes 24 properties operating or under development. These properties span five different hospitality brands.
Rotana currently operates hotels in several major Saudi cities. These include Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Dammam, Al Khobar, and Jubail. The company also plans additional developments across several regions.
Future expansion remains an important priority for the hospitality group. Planned projects will add more than 1,300 hotel keys across multiple Saudi cities. These developments support the country’s expanding tourism sector.
Company executives believe branded residences represent one of the fastest-growing hospitality segments. Long-stay accommodation continues attracting increasing demand from domestic and international visitors. Therefore, developers continue investing in this market.
Officials also highlighted strong demand for serviced apartments. Flexible accommodation options appeal to business travelers and families alike. Consequently, hospitality companies continue introducing new residential concepts.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh during an official ceremony attended by senior representatives from both companies. Leaders described the partnership as an important milestone for future hospitality development in Saudi Arabia.
Makkah remains one of the country’s most important tourism destinations. Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to the city for religious purposes. Therefore, demand for quality accommodation continues increasing.
Saudi Arabia continues expanding its hospitality infrastructure under Vision 2030. The national strategy aims to welcome more religious and leisure visitors. It also supports broader economic diversification goals.
Authorities expect millions of Umrah performers and Hajj pilgrims annually by the end of the decade. To meet future demand, the Kingdom continues increasing hotel and residential capacity. These investments strengthen tourism infrastructure.
The Thakher development covers approximately 320,000 square meters. Once completed, the destination will accommodate more than 1.6 million visitors and pilgrims. Recent Hajj seasons have already demonstrated strong demand for accommodation within the project.
Developers believe the partnership combines strong regional hospitality expertise with premium real estate development. Together, both companies aim to deliver high-quality residential experiences in Makkah. They also expect the project to support long-term tourism growth.
Rotana residences will help diversify accommodation options available in the Holy City. Serviced apartments offer flexibility for visitors staying beyond traditional hotel visits. This approach also supports changing travel preferences.
Saudi Arabia’s branded residences sector continues attracting growing investor interest. International investors increasingly view hospitality real estate as an attractive opportunity. As tourism expands, new residential projects will continue supporting the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Rotana residences represent another important addition to Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry. Through strategic partnerships, premium accommodation, and continued investment, the company aims to strengthen its presence across the Kingdom while supporting future tourism growth and improving the visitor experience in Makkah.
