Accor has announced plans to expand its luxury footprint in Saudi Arabia with the signing of Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar.

The new-build hotel will be located on the Ajdan Waterfront development, reportedly the most high-profile mixed-use development in Al Khobar and the Eastern Province. 

The property is expected to open in 2023, featuring 160 rooms and serviced apartments, four dining outlets, a Fairmont spa, a fitness area, swimming pool and kids' club, as well as a Gold Lounge for guests of the Fairmont Gold experience.

In addition to a Fairmont hotel, the mixed-use development will offer retail, commercial, residential and entertainment components. 

Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will be close to the Saudi Aramco Headquarter, the King Abdulaziz Cultural Centre and Airbase, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and a selection of malls and city attractions. The King Fahd Causeway is also in the vicinity, connecting thousands of passengers from Al Khobar to Bahrain. 

Mark Willis, chief executive of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said: “We believe the new Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will become the ultimate premier urban waterfront development in the Eastern Province, and maybe even the whole of Saudi Arabia, adding to the strong momentum the Fairmont brand is seeing in the Kingdom after the successful opening of Fairmont Riyadh,.

“Overall, with the powerful Fairmont brand features, through to the unique architecture and expressive décor added to its prime location, the hotel promises to deliver a luxurious and unforgettable experience to its visitors.”

Abdullah AlFozan, chairman of Ajdan Real Estate Development Company, which is working with Accor on the project, added: “Our values rest on promoting social transformation, helping to enrich lives, and driving forward the Saudi 2030 vision. We couldn’t think of a better partner than Accor to join our vision and develop the Fairmont hotel on Ajdan.

“This prestigious destination is known to be one of the most desirable leisure attractions for visitors and residences of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia.”

Accor currently operates 39 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with a pipeline of a further 33 properties.