Hotel101 to Build 10,000 Rooms Across Saudi Arabia in $2.5B Deal

Hotel101 Global, a fast-expanding hospitality arm of DoubleDragon Corporation, has announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in Saudi Arabia to develop 10,000 hotel rooms as part of its international expansion strategy. The company is jointly owned by Tony Tan Caktiong, the founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Edgar “Injap” Sia II, the real estate magnate behind DoubleDragon.

This major expansion marks Hotel101’s official entry into the Middle East, one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing travel markets. It comes amid the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector, fueled by the government’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy and attract 100 million tourists annually by the end of the decade.

Five Key Cities Identified

Hotel101 Global will execute the rollout in partnership with Horizon Group, a Saudi Arabia-based company with strong regional development credentials. The first five identified locations for Hotel101 properties include:

• Medina (first to break ground)
• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Abha
• AlUla

Each property will offer around 500 rooms, consistent with Hotel101’s scalable model designed to optimize operational efficiency and deliver uniform guest experiences across regions.

“Our goal is to become one of the top five hotel brands globally by room count. Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary growth in tourism makes it a cornerstone market for this vision,” said Edgar Sia II, Chairman of Hotel101 Global and CEO of DoubleDragon.

Standardized Comfort Meets Global Scale

Hotel101’s concept revolves around offering a consistent hotel room design and experience regardless of location, making it easier for both developers and travelers. Guests can expect tech-enabled features, minimalist interiors, and value-driven amenities focused on cleanliness, accessibility, and simplicity.

The brand’s asset-light expansion model also allows property investors to purchase individual units within each Hotel101 development, effectively turning hospitality into a property investment vehicle.

“Hotel101 rooms are not just for accommodation, they’re assets—an investment backed by long-term rental potential,” said Tony Tan Caktiong, Co-Chairman of Hotel101 Global.

Saudi Market Timing is Key

The strategic entry into Saudi Arabia coincides with:

• Massive infrastructure investments in tourism and hospitality
• Increasing demand for international-standard accommodations
• A growing young population embracing domestic and regional travel
• Rapid development of religious tourism hubs, especially in Medina and Mecca

Hotel101’s first project in Medina, a city that sees millions of religious tourists each year, positions the brand to tap into high occupancy demand from day one.

This Saudi expansion is part of Hotel101 Global’s broader plan to scale to 1 million rooms worldwide, with other developments underway in Japan, Spain, and the United States.

“With our blueprint in place and partners like Horizon Group on the ground, we are moving aggressively yet strategically into key global markets,” added Sia.

The company is expected to break ground on its first Saudi project later this year, with phased construction and openings to follow in 2026.