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Accor Signs World's Largest Sofitel in Makkah for 2026

Golden-hour view of Jabal Omar towers with Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah signage, near the Holy Mosque, illustrating supplier expansion in 2026
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3 min read

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.

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