Saudi Launches King Salman Gate Near Makkah Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched a new mega project called “King Salman Gate”, located next to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The development is part of the Kingdom’s plan to improve infrastructure, support tourism, and accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the holy city.

According to Rua Al Haram Al Makki Company, which is developing the project, King Salman Gate will cover an area of 12 million square meters (around 4.6 square miles). The project aims to improve access to the Grand Mosque while also providing 900,000 additional indoor and outdoor prayer spaces for worshippers.

The Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site and the world’s largest mosque, welcomes millions of pilgrims each year for Hajj and Umrah. The new project is expected to ease crowding and provide more facilities for visitors.

The King Salman Gate project is part of Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious national plan to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. The development will include 50,000 branded residential units, 16,000 hotel rooms in four- and five-star hotels, and 200,000 square meters of retail and commercial areas. These facilities will offer modern, comfortable accommodation and shopping experiences for pilgrims and tourists.

The project will also feature 39,000 parking spaces, addressing a long-standing issue of vehicle congestion in Makkah. One of the highlights of the project is the blend of modern architecture with Islamic heritage. About 19,000 square meters of heritage sites will be preserved and restored to reflect Makkah’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

A promotional video shared by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) showcased the grand scale and futuristic design of the King Salman Gate, drawing attention worldwide for its innovation and ambition.

Economically, the project is expected to create around 300,000 jobs by 2036, boosting local employment and contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainable growth.

Developed by Rua Al Haram Al Makki Company, a PIF subsidiary, King Salman Gate represents a major step in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward creating modern, sustainable, and culturally respectful urban developments in line with Vision 2030.