Maad International wins 2026 Iconic Project of the Year for Makkah hospitality complex

Maad International’s Maad Hospitality Complex near Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah was named Iconic Project of the Year at The Hospitality Network’s 2026 Hospitality Awards in Riyadh. The recognition spotlights a five-tower development combining branded residences, a five-star hotel and lifestyle amenities in one of Saudi Arabia’s most visible hospitality markets.

Why it matters: - The award puts Maad International’s Makkah development in the spotlight as competition intensifies for large-scale hospitality and residential projects near Masjid Al-Haram. - The next phase is designed to combine lodging, homes, retail and leisure in one integrated destination, which can shape how pilgrims, residents and visitors experience the area.

What happened: - The Maad Hospitality Complex was named Iconic Project of the Year at The Hospitality Network’s 2026 Hospitality Awards. - The awards were held in Riyadh on 9 September. - The project was developed by Maad International. - The award was presented to DLR Group, Maad’s architectural consultant, for its work on the project.

The details: - The next phase of the Maad Hospitality Complex is located about 1.3 kilometers from Masjid Al-Haram on Ibrahim Al Khalil Road. - The development will include five towers and 4,030 units. - The mix includes branded residences and a five-star hotel. - The plan also includes retail, dining, events facilities, plazas, gardens and lifestyle amenities. - Of the total inventory, 3,742 branded residences and hotel suites will be available to local and international buyers. - Those units represent about 93% of the total inventory. - Unit sizes range from 35 square meters to 119 square meters. - The destination is designed to create a family-oriented environment while offering a wider range of residential and lifestyle experiences in Makkah. - Dr. Mohammed Al-Jared, chief executive officer of Maad International, said the recognition reflects the collaboration required to bring a project of this scale to life. - Maad International said DLR Group helped translate the development vision into the project’s architectural and landscape design.

Between the lines: - The award suggests Maad International is positioning the complex as more than a hotel project, with a broader destination strategy built around mixed-use appeal. - The emphasis on topography, integrated uses and lifestyle amenities signals a premium development approach aimed at differentiating the project in a crowded market. - The 93% share of units available for sale points to a strong residential component alongside hospitality operations.

What's next: - The next phase of the Maad Hospitality Complex will move forward with five towers and a mix of branded residences, hotel accommodation and public-facing amenities. - Maad International is likely to continue highlighting the project as a flagship development in Makkah. - The company’s broader Makkah destination already includes voco Makkah, the largest voco hotel in the world, which opened in March 2023.

The bottom line: - Maad International’s award underscores growing momentum behind a major mixed-use hospitality destination close to one of Islam’s most important sites.