KEC and Archipelago to establish Madinah-based hotel management company

Core Insights - Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has formed a strategic joint venture with Archipelago International to create a hospitality management company in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, with both parties holding equal shares [1][2] - The new company will focus on developing a Saudi hotel brand and managing the construction of a hotel with approximately 2,500 keys, marking a significant development in the Saudi hospitality sector [1][2] Company Overview - Archipelago International is the largest privately owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, managing over 45,000 rooms across more than 200 hotels in various regions including Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Oceania [4] - KEC is regulated by the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority and aims to drive urban and economic changes in Madinah through strategic partnerships [4] Industry Impact - The partnership aims to enhance the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the diversification of the sector and increasing employment opportunities for national talent [3] - Future plans include franchise and management models to support broader growth across the kingdom [3]