Park Inn by Radisson, a midscale hotel brand of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, has made its debut in the holy city of Makkah. The group has a large presence in Saudi Arabia with 35 hotels and more than 9,000 rooms in operation or under development.
Mark Willis, area senior vice president, Middle East, Turkey & Africa for the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to open our first hotel in the holy city with Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al-Naseem. This is a significant hotel addition not just for the Park Inn by Radisson brand but for the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, as we now begin to see our strong development pipeline across Saudi Arabia materialize, with multiple hotel openings coming to fruition in the next 18 months.”
“We believe the Park Inn by Radisson brand is entering this important segment at a very opportune time to support the increase in pilgrim travelers seeking affordable accommodation and a hassle-free experience. The growth of religious tourism to the Kingdom and the holy city of Makkah for local and international travelers is expected to grow, and we are well placed to provide all the essentials of an international hotel brand,” added Willis.
Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al-Naseem is located 20 meters from Al-Rajhi Mosque, the second largest mosque in Makkah and one that accommodates more than 15,000 worshippers. The hotel is also situated very close to the holy sites of Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah.
The hotel has 459 modern rooms and suites, most of which overlook the Al-Rajhi Mosque.
For dining, Al-Awali restaurant serves a wide selection of local and international cuisine. The hotel’s lobby café serves sweet and savory snacks and can host up to 200 people while the Roof Top Garden Cafe offers breath-taking views of the holy city.
Saad Ghosheh, general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al-Naseem, said: “We look forward to welcoming local and international travelers visiting the holy city of Makkah for their Haj and Umrah pilgrimage. Our great location allows our guests to experience the many pilgrimage sites in the holy city. Our experienced and passionate team members are here to ensure all of our guests have a memorable stay.”
Park Inn by Radisson opens in Makkah
Park Inn by Radisson opens in Makkah
Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith
In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.
With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.
Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.
Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.
In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.
“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”
Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”
For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”
Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.
In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.
As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.








