Archipelago, Southeast Asia’s largest privately-owned hotel management group, has been selected to brand and operate hotels in the Islamic World District (IWD) of Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Key Highlights
• IWD Project: A 6.8 million-square-foot mixed-use development aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by increasing pilgrims and tourists to 30 million annually.
• Hospitality Expansion: KEC will deliver over 18,000 hospitality rooms, enhancing Madinah’s tourism infrastructure and pilgrim experience.
• Aston Hotel & Residences KEC: Set to open in 2027, featuring 519 hotel rooms and 130 serviced apartments.
Strategic Significance
The IWD is located near the Haramain railway station, connecting Madinah to Makkah and Jeddah via high-speed train. It will offer integrated services to pilgrims and visitors from diverse cultures across the Islamic world.
Archipelago President & CEO John Flood expressed pride in partnering with KEC, highlighting the project’s role in celebrating Madinah’s heritage while transforming Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.
Archipelago operates over 55,000 rooms across 200+ locations worldwide, with expansions in Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and beyond.
COMMENTS