Accor strengthens Middle East leadership with new appointment

Islam Samad has been appointed Vice President of Development for the region

Islam Samar has been appointed as Vice President Development, Middle East for Accor.

Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Islam is responsible for advancing Accor’s ambitious expansion strategy for its premium, midscale and economy division in the kingdom and across the region.

Accor currently counts more than 290 properties across all brands in the Middle East, with 130 new locations to be added by 2028 and plans to open 45 hotels in Saudi by 2030

A seasoned professional with more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience, Islam brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations and strategy, as well as deep market knowledge and a proven track record in cultivating strong relationships with owners and investors.

Driving business success in the region for two decades, he has successfully negotiated and led some of the most high-profile deals across the Middle East, from Egypt to Saudi and the UAE

As Director of New Hotels Opening, India, Middle East and Africa at IHG for five years, he launched more than 100 new properties across the region and beyond.

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Islam, an Egyptian national, will report directly to Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor.

Commenting on the appointment, Ziade said Islam’s expertise in investment structuring, market penetration and brand expansion “aligns seamlessly” with Accor’s vision for long-term growth in the Middle East. 

“His ability to cultivate strong owner partnerships, identify high-potential opportunities, and execute strategic growth initiatives makes him a valuable addition to our development team.”

Firmly rooted in the region, Accor operates 290 properties across all brands in the Middle East with more than 130 new locations planned by 2028.

Accor's Sofitel Downtown Cairo recently opened

Recently opening its first Mercure-branded property in Saudi’s capital Riyadh, the Mercure Riyadh Al Anood, Accor is set to open two more in the kingdom by mid-2025 – the Jeddah Corniche and Red Sea, Raffles Jeddah.

The Group also recently opened its fourth Sofitel property in Egypt, with the 615-key Cairo Downtown Nile becoming the largest Sofitel hotel in the world.

For more information, visit all.accor.com/hotel/C3J2/index.en.shtml 

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