Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has ordered Madinah Airport Road to be named after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This new 13 km Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road links the Masjid An Nabawi to Madinah’s Airport and passes through Rua Al Madinah project.
The route will also feature several key projects, including the Madinah Humanization Program and the rehabilitation of the historic Wadi Qanat valley.
Naming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road
In a significant move that underscores the ongoing development initiatives in Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has officially directed the renaming of the airport road in Madinah to honor Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This newly designated route, now known as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, spans 13 kilometers and serves as a vital artery connecting the Prophet’s Mosque to the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport and the Royal Terminal.
The Significance of Renaming
The decision to rename the Madinah Airport Road is not merely a ceremonial gesture; it reflects the Crown Prince’s pivotal role in spearheading national development projects across the Kingdom.
The road serves as a crucial link for millions of pilgrims who travel to Madinah for Umrah and Hajj, making it an essential route for those visiting one of Islam’s holiest cities.
Connecting Key Locations
The newly named road connects several important locations within Madinah, making it a strategic route for both residents and visitors.
Major Intersections
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road intersects with several key highways, including:
- King Faisal Road (First Ring Road)
- King Abdullah Road (Second Ring Road)
- King Khalid Road (Third Ring Road)
These intersections not only facilitate local traffic but also enhance connectivity to other regions of the Kingdom.
The Rua Al Madinah Project
One of the most notable features along this route is the Rua Al Madinah project, recognized as the largest hospitality initiative globally.
The Rua Al Madinah project, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in August 2022, spans 1.5 million square meters, with 63 percent dedicated to open and green spaces. The project will offer 47,000 hotel rooms.
Upon completion, this project is expected to contribute $37.3 million (SAR140 million) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.
Moreover, it is expected to create 93,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, allowing recruitment throughout the construction and development phase until 2030.
From luxury accommodations to world-class restaurants and entertainment options, the Rua Al Madinah project aims to redefine hospitality standards, marking a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
Development Initiatives Along the Route
The renaming of the road is accompanied by several ambitious development projects aimed at improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in Madinah.
The Madinah Humanization Program
A key initiative along Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road is the Madinah Humanization Program. This project focuses on:
- Improving pedestrian pathways: Ensuring safe and accessible routes for foot traffic.
- Enhancing vehicle pathways: Upgrading roads to accommodate increased traffic flow.
- Revamping building facades: Aligning architectural designs with Saudi cultural aesthetics.
These enhancements are designed to create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
Rehabilitation of Wadi Qanat
Another noteworthy project associated with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road is the rehabilitation of Wadi Qanat, one of Madinah’s most significant historical valleys.
Wadi Qanat has long been an essential part of Madinah’s heritage, serving as a vital water source and a natural habitat for various species. The rehabilitation project seeks to preserve this historical site while enhancing its accessibility for the public.
Transforming Madinah
The renaming of the Madinah Airport Road to honor Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a significant step in recognizing the Crown Prince’s contributions to the Kingdom’s development.
This strategic route not only enhances accessibility for pilgrims but also supports various development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Madinah.
As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and cultural preservation, the future looks promising for both residents and visitors alike.
Planned Projects in Madinah
KEC’s 5 Hotel Management Contracts
Madinah’s Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has finalized 5 Hotel Management Contracts for its much-anticipated Islamic World District project, with contracts ranging from 10 to 20 years.
The agreements include renowned brands such as Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, and Radisson, overseeing more than 5,000 rooms across multiple hotels at the location.
The site is set to be just a few kilometers from the blessed Al Masjid An Nabawi, Insha’Allah. These hotels will be part of the initial phase of development in the southern section of Madinah’s Knowledge Economic City.
Madinah’s First Waldorf Astoria
Madinah is set to welcome its first Waldorf Astoria Hotel by 2028, InshaAllah, thanks to a partnership between Taiba Investments and Hilton Hotels.
Located close to Al Masjid An Nabawi, the upscale hotel will offer more than 300 luxurious rooms and suites, three signature dining options, a private club lounge, and a fitness center.
This collaboration seeks to boost the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sector for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 150 million tourists each year.
As Safiyyah Museum & Park
Prince Salman bin Sultan, the Governor of Madinah, has officially opened the new As Safiyyah Museum & Park in the holy city of Madinah, near Al Masjid An Nabawi.
Covering an area of over 4,400 square meters, the As Safiyyah Museum & Park features a creation story exhibit, offering a glimpse into the universe’s origins through audiovisual technology, along with the stories of the Prophets.
It is situated close to the five-star Pullman Zamzam Madina hotel.
This initiative seeks to enrich the cultural journey of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s efforts to enhance Madinah’s heritage and revive Islamic historical sites in Saudi Arabia.
Islamic Civilization Village
The Rua Al Madinah Holding company in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new project called the Islamic Civilization Village Project. This initiative aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims in the Holy City of Madinah.
Spanning over an area of 257,000 square meters, the project will be situated near Al Masjid An Nabawi and will consist of eight distinct zones that will showcase the rich history of Islam from various time periods.
Seven’s Entertainment Destination
Saudi Entertainment Ventures Seven has revealed its plans to build a 1.3 Billion Riyal entertainment destination in Al Madinah. This new destination will be a hub of fun, excitement, and top-notch attractions, aiming to enhance the lives of the city’s inhabitants.
The project is due to cover an area of over 100,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 84,000 square meters. The park will feature beautiful paths seamlessly blending with the planned open paths and gardens in the destination.
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