His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, officially announced the launch of the monumental ‘King Salman Gate’ multi-use development project adjacent to the Grand Mosque (Al Masjid Al Haram) in Makkah.

The massive project, a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, is designed to dramatically enhance services for pilgrims and establish Makkah as a global benchmark for modern urban development that honors its spiritual identity.

The King Salman Gate is a mixed-use destination spanning an immense 12 million square meters of gross floor area and is strategically located directly next to the Grand Mosque. Its primary objectives include:

• Expanded Worshipper Capacity: The project will create additional space for approximately 900,000 worshippers in its integrated indoor halls and expansive outdoor courtyards, significantly boosting the capacity for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.
• Residential and Hospitality Hub: The development will feature a large-scale hospitality and residential offering, including up to 16,000 four- and five-star hotel rooms and an estimated 50,000 branded residential units.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: It will integrate seamlessly with Makkah’s public transportation networks to ensure easy and comfortable access to the Grand Mosque for millions of visitors.
• Economic Catalyst: The project is anticipated to create more than 300,000 job opportunities by 2036, contributing substantially to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
• Cultural Preservation: In a commitment to Makkah’s heritage, the plan includes the restoration and development of approximately 19,000 square meters of heritage sites, blending modern design with the city’s rich architectural legacy.

Developed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary, RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, the ‘King Salman Gate’ aligns directly with the Pilgrim Experience Program. The overarching goal is to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims—expected to reach 30 million annually by 2030—and ensure their spiritual journey is marked by world-class infrastructure and service quality.

The announcement marks another major step in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious program to transform its giga-projects landscape, focusing on sustainable urban growth while preserving the sacred and cultural fabric of the Holy City.