Accor Signs World's Largest Sofitel in Makkah for 2026

Published on Oct 30, 2025, 2:58 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

Accor signs Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, opening in 2026 with 1,141 rooms
Twin towers, North and South, will sit inside the Jabal Omar master development
Property will be the largest Sofitel worldwide with direct pedestrian access to the Holy Mosque
Six dining venues, Club Millésime lounge and wellness offerings anchor the luxury positioning
Project advances Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 tourism goals through a JODC partnership

Impact

Largest Sofitel Globally: Travelers seeking premium stays near the Holy Mosque will see expanded luxury capacity once the 1,141 room property opens in 2026
Pilgrimage Convenience: Direct pedestrian access from Jabal Omar simplifies movement to and from the Holy Mosque during peak periods
Booking Outlook: Expect sales windows and pre-opening offers to surface closer to 2026 as Accor finalizes inventory and rates
Dining And Lounge Access: Club Millésime and six venues add on-site options for premium guests who prefer to remain within the complex
Vision 2030 Alignment: The JODC partnership supports Saudi tourism growth, signaling more upper-upscale and luxury supply in Makkah

Accor has signed Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, a landmark luxury hotel set to open in 2026 inside the Jabal Omar master development in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. With 1,141 rooms and suites across two towers, North and South, the property will become the largest Sofitel in the world on opening. The site is steps from the Holy Mosque, with direct pedestrian access designed to streamline pilgrim flows during peak religious periods.

Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah

The new Sofitel will occupy a prime position within the Jabal Omar precinct, a multi-phase development that has reshaped the urban fabric surrounding the Holy Mosque. Accor's plan calls for two towers, each with views over the Holy Mosque and the Makkah skyline. Program elements include six dining venues spanning all-day concepts and a signature French-Middle Eastern fusion offering, as well as Club Millésime, Sofitel's executive lounge for elevated culinary service and personalized attention. Wellness programming, fitness, and meeting spaces round out the mix, aimed at both pilgrimage and business travel demand.

Latest developments

Accor positioned the signing as part of a broader luxury expansion in the Kingdom, reinforcing the company's leadership in Makkah and its commitment to culturally resonant design. Jabal Omar Development Company, the master developer, confirmed contracts that include the Sofitel towers and indicated an operational timeline consistent with a late-2026 opening, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 tourism targets. While pre-opening sales are not yet live, hospitality trade outlets tracking the announcement have reiterated the twin-tower, 1,141-key scope and the direct pedestrian link to the Holy Mosque.

Analysis

For travelers, particularly those planning Umrah or Hajj trips with a preference for on-foot access, this project signals more high-end capacity within a short walk of the Haram. The direct connection should reduce time spent navigating curbside congestion and vertical circulation typical of large mixed-use complexes in the area. The food and beverage footprint, with six venues, gives guests options to avoid peak dining queues outside the property, and Club Millésime adds value for those who prioritize lounge access and quieter spaces between prayer times.

From an industry perspective, the signing underscores three dynamics. First, international brands continue to cluster in Jabal Omar to capture sustained pilgrimage demand. Second, large-key count luxury assets remain viable in Makkah when access and wayfinding are engineered for surges. Third, Vision 2030 is accelerating the pace of upper-upscale and luxury openings, which, in turn, raises service expectations and rate ceilings across the submarket.

Background Jabal Omar is a multi-phase, high-density development adjacent to the Holy Mosque that integrates hotels, residences, retail, and transport links. Its elevated walks and concourses are designed to ease pedestrian flow during peak prayer windows. This has made the precinct a magnet for global brands seeking proximity while meeting stringent movement and safety requirements for large crowds.

Final thoughts

Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, opening in 2026, will deliver the brand's French art de vivre in one of the world's most sacred destinations, with practical advantages for pilgrims who value a short, predictable walk to the Holy Mosque. For luxury travelers and travel advisors, the project expands options near the Haram while signaling continued momentum in Makkah's high-end hotel supply.