Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East & Africa (MHR MEA) has entered into a landmark strategic agreement with SERB, marking one of the most significant milestones in Millennium’s expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Under this partnership, MHR will assume full operational responsibility for SERB’s existing hotel portfolio while securing First Rights of Refusal for all future hotel developments that SERB introduces across the Kingdom.
“This partnership represents an important moment for our Group and for the future of hospitality in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is witnessing an extraordinary chapter of growth, and we are proud to deepen our commitment to a country that continues to inspire us with its vision and ambition. As part of our long-term strategy, we have a carefully calculated plan to expand our presence to more than one hundred hotels across the Kingdom by 2030 under the Millennium Hotels brands and the Biltmore luxury brand. This vision reflects our belief in the strength and potential of Saudi Arabia’s cities and communities, and our commitment to empowering Saudi nationals to lead this expansion. We are focused on building partnerships with stakeholders who share with us the ambitions of Vision 2030 and who believe in creating meaningful, long-term impact.,” stated Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, Founder & Chairman of Millennium Hotels & Resorts. “We are equally committed to a hands-on approach to hospitality. Our regional structure places Jeddah as our main headquarters in Saudi Arabia, supported by two regional offices in Madinah and Riyadh. Being physically present across the Kingdom allows us to stay close to our partners, understand the needs of each market, and ensure that the experiences we deliver reflect both global excellence and the generosity of Saudi culture.”
This agreement underscores the shared ambition of both organizations to support the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding tourism sector and aligns seamlessly with the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which continues to elevate the hospitality and travel experience throughout the nation.
The first phase of the partnership focuses on the rebranding and operational transformation of five key hotels. Four of the properties are in Al Madinah, including the highly anticipated Biltmore Hotel Al Madinah, a 320-key luxury property that will set a new standard of sophistication in one of the world’s most sacred destinations. The portfolio also includes the Grand Millennium Al Haram Madinah, a 635-key flagship property renowned for its exceptional proximity and enhanced services near the Prophet’s Mosque. Completing the Madinah cluster are the Kingsgate Durrah Hotel and Kingsgate Diyar Hotel, both of which will undergo brand and service enhancements to align with Millennium’s quality standards. The fifth property in Phase One is the Kingsgate Hotel in Yanbu, located along the Kingdom’s strategic Red Sea coastline.
“This partnership marks a strategic step that reshapes the future of hospitality in destinations of deep spiritual and economic significance,” noted Fouad El Filali, Managing Director of Millennium Hotels & Resorts – KSA. “Our collaboration with SERB is not simply about operating a portfolio of hotels, but about a long-term commitment to elevating the guest experience, strengthening operational efficiency, and enhancing the commercial value of every asset. Introducing brands such as The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, and Kingsgate to Al Madinah and Yanbu reflects a clear vision: delivering hospitality that represents the generosity of the Kingdom, showcases its global relevance, and provides unique experiences that blend authenticity with innovation. We are driven by a passion to ensure these destinations become benchmarks for service quality, agility, and operational excellence rooted in proximity to both the market and our guests.”
All properties included in the first phase will undergo comprehensive transformation plans designed to incorporate Millennium’s global brand identity, elevate service delivery, and reflect the spiritual and cultural significance of their unique locations.
“Our growth in Saudi Arabia continues to be strategic, deliberate, and aligned with the Kingdom’s long-term tourism vision,” added Chaker Zeraiki, CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA. “Partnering with SERB allows us to scale with purpose. This agreement reinforces Millennium’s position as a trusted regional operator, and we look forward to delivering operational excellence, strong commercial results, and guest experiences rooted in authenticity, innovation, and service excellence.”
The partnership between MHR and SERB is positioned to accelerate Millennium’s development pipeline across key spiritual, urban, and coastal destinations within the Kingdom. Through a multi-segment brand strategy spanning luxury, upscale, and midscale offerings, both organizations aim to deliver meaningful hospitality experiences that cater to pilgrims, families, leisure travelers, and the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding domestic tourism market.
This partnership also reaffirms Millennium’s long-term commitment to national talent development, Saudization, and job creation, contributing directly to the growth and diversification of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem.
