Marriott International will manage nine new properties in Saudi Arabia in an agreement with Fawaz Abdul Aziz Al-Hokair and Associates Hotel Company.

Work will start in 2010 on the nine properties, which will be located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Jubail and will represent the following Marriott International brands: The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments and Courtyard by Marriott.

“Travel and Tourism are quickly becoming an integral part of the economic landscape in many parts of the Middle East and we are pleased to help encourage and build this future direction,” said Marriott International president and managing director of international lodging Ed Fuller.

Saudi Arabia is booming at present with huge economic growth due to massive oil reserves. The government is also trying to attract foreign investors from around the globe by privatizing businesses in the telecommunication sector.

Fuller added, “The continued economic and business growth will drive travel inflow and this will maintain high demand and profitability for the hotels business. With us, Marriott is in the best position to tap into this opportunity.”

Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Riyadh are scheduled to open in 2011 and will include 250 guest-rooms, restaurant, 69,500 sq ft (6456 sq m) of public space for conferences and a business centre.

The two Courtyard properties are expected to open in 2010 and will feature meeting space, 24-hour room service, health clubs and restaurants.

Marriott Apartments will be located on Medina Road, which connects Jeddah International Airport to Jeddah’s central business district- ideal for business travellers.

The hotel brands portfolio in Saudi Arabia currently consists of three hotels in Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina.