Marriott has unveiled significant expansion plans for the Middle East and Africa, announcing a wave of new properties and market entries over the coming years. The company confirmed that 17 new properties are scheduled to open across the region this year, underscoring its strategic focus on these fast-growing markets.
Among the developments is the recently signed Doha Marriott Executive Apartments, a 300-suite property slated to open in 2019. Marriott also plans a substantial rollout across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with 10 new properties totaling approximately 4,600 rooms expected to open in 2016 and 2017. In Saudi Arabia alone, Marriott projects 21 new hotels with around 4,200 rooms to launch by 2025.
Marriott is not limiting growth to established markets. The company expects to enter several new countries in the Middle East and Africa by 2025, including first hotels in Iraq, Gabon, Rwanda, Tunisia, Benin, Kenya, Libya and Mauritius. These market entries reflect Marriott’s broader strategy to place brands in key gateway cities, commercial centers and popular resort destinations across the region.
“We have ambitious plans for growth internationally, and the Middle East and Africa will play a large role in helping us achieve both our short-term and long-term targets,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. To support this expansion, Marriott anticipates increasing its regional workforce by some 21,000 associates, strengthening local operations and guest services.
Marriott’s regional expansion aligns with its goal of offering a wider portfolio of brands and accommodations to meet diverse traveler needs, from business districts to resort destinations. The planned new openings and market entries are designed to capitalize on tourism growth, rising demand for international-standard hotels, and expanding business travel across the Middle East and Africa.
The company plans to continue identifying strategic locations and partnerships that complement its existing footprint while driving brand recognition and market share. As new properties come online, Marriott expects to deepen its presence in major cities and emerging markets through portfolio diversification and targeted investment.
Overall, Marriott’s announced pipeline demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Middle East and Africa, combining immediate openings with multi-year projects to expand its reach and service offerings. The mix of urban, resort and extended-stay properties reflects an ambition to serve a broad spectrum of guests and to support tourism and business growth across the region.