Indonesian Sovereign Wealth Fund Danantara Makes First Foreign Investment in Makkah
Danantara, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, has expanded its portfolio with a significant acquisition in Saudi Arabia, marking its inaugural overseas investment.
Strategic Acquisition in Makkah’s Dakher City
PT Danantara Investment Management, the investment arm of danantara, has reached an agreement to acquire the Novotel Hotel in Makkah al-Mukarramah from Thakhir Progress. The property comprises 1,461 rooms and sits within the larger Dakher City project, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Grand Mosque. This strategic location positions the hotel to benefit from the ongoing expansion of religious tourism infrastructure in the region.
The deal also includes approximately 4.4 hectares (10.8 acres) of adjacent land, offering potential for future development and expansion within the Dakher City master plan. Dakher City is designed to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the holy city.
Implications for Danantara and Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector
While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, this investment signals Danantara’s ambition to diversify its holdings internationally and capitalize on growth opportunities in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is currently undertaking ambitious tourism projects as part of its vision 2030 plan, aiming to attract 100 million visitors annually. This acquisition aligns with those broader economic goals.
The investment is expected to contribute to the development of Makkah’s hospitality infrastructure and support the increasing demand for accommodation from pilgrims and tourists. further details regarding Danantara’s long-term strategy for the property and land are anticipated as the deal progresses.