Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of King Salman Gate, a vast mixed-use development adjacent to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The project is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to transform the city’s urban landscape, enhance pilgrim services, and create over 300,000 jobs by 2036.
A New Gateway to Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has officially launched the King Salman Gate project, a transformative development set to redefine the area surrounding the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Spanning a total built-up area of 12 million square metres, the project will feature residential, cultural, and service facilities, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
A key feature of the development is its capacity to accommodate an additional 900,000 worshippers in new indoor and outdoor prayer areas. This significant expansion aligns with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Programme, a core component of Saudi Vision 2030 designed to enrich the spiritual and cultural journeys of visitors to the holy city.
The project is being developed by Rou’a Al-Haram Al-Makki Company, a subsidiary of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The design philosophy merges Makkah’s rich architectural heritage with modern urban planning, ensuring both functionality and the preservation of the city’s cultural identity. As part of this commitment, approximately 19,000 square metres of heritage and cultural zones will be rehabilitated.
Economic and Urban Impact
King Salman Gate is also a major economic driver, projected to generate more than 300,000 jobs by 2036. The development will be seamlessly connected to public transport networks to facilitate easy access to the Grand Mosque for both pilgrims and residents.
The announcement is the latest in a series of giga-projects unveiled by the Kingdom to diversify its economy. This strategic push is reshaping the region, with significant investments in tourism and sustainable luxury hospitality. While Saudi Arabia focuses on mega-projects, other Gulf nations are also innovating to attract global investors through initiatives like property-linked residency visas.
This large-scale development in Makkah underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to boosting its non-oil sectors, a strategy that mirrors the UAE’s own strong non-oil sector performance and contributes to the dynamic economic evolution of the wider Gulf region.
