The Saudi Crown Prince has launched ‘King Salman Gate’, a mega 12 million sqm project in Holy Makkah next to The Grand Mosque, which will provide capacity for an additional 900,000 worshippers.
Located right next to Al Masjid Al Haram. , it is due to feature commercial, cultural, and residential spaces, including 16,000 branded 4 and 5 star hotel rooms. It is due to massively increase the number of Makkah hotels close to Haram.
It aims to create over 300,000 jobs by 2026 and the boost the pilgrim experience, Insha’Allah.
Launching King Salman Gate Project
The King Salman Gate project, launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is envisioned as a mixed-use development that will integrate various facilities, including residential, commercial, cultural, and hospitality spaces, next to Masjid Al Haram
Strategically located adjacent to the Grand Mosque, this project is developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company and is designed to accommodate approximately 900,000 indoor and outdoor praying areas, significantly improving access for worshippers.
With a transformative area of 12 million square meters, the King Salman Gate project is set to enhance the experience of millions of pilgrims and visitors while contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals.
Features of King Salman Gate
The King Salman Gate project is characterized by several innovative features that set it apart from other developments in the region. The project will encompass a variety of spaces, including:
- Residential Areas: Housing options for residents and visitors will be integrated into the development, fostering a sense of community.
- Commercial Spaces: Retail outlets and dining establishments will cater to the needs of both locals and tourists.
- Cultural Facilities: The project will include cultural centers that celebrate Makkah’s rich heritage and history.
Location of King Salman Gate Project
One of the standout features of the King Salman Gate project is its focus on connectivity. The development will be seamlessly linked to public transportation networks, making it easier for pilgrims and visitors to access Al Masjid Al Haram.
Objectives of King Salman Gate Project
The primary objectives of the King Salman Gate project include:
- Enhancing Accessibility: The development aims to streamline access to Al Masjid Al Haram, ensuring that pilgrims can reach the holy site with ease.
- Elevating Service Standards: By improving the quality of services available to visitors, the project seeks to enrich the overall spiritual and cultural experience.
- Supporting Economic Diversification: The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of diversifying the economy beyond oil revenues.
Preserving Makkah’s Heritage
While the King Salman Gate project aims to modernize the urban landscape, it also places a strong emphasis on preserving Makkah’s cultural and historical identity.
As part of the development, approximately 19,000 square meters of heritage sites will be restored. This initiative will ensure that Makkah’s rich history is preserved for future generations while providing new spaces for community engagement and reflection.
Economic Impact of King Salman Gate
The King Salman Gate project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, creating numerous job opportunities and stimulating growth.
The development is projected to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2036. This job creation will not only support the local economy but also contribute to the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic diversification.
The Role of PIF Owned Company
The King Salman Gate project is being developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This organization plays a pivotal role in advancing urban development around Al Masjid Al Haram.
RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company is dedicated to setting new standards in real estate and hospitality. Their mission aligns with the broader goals of the PIF, which seeks to foster sustainable urban growth and enhance the quality of life in the region.
Supporting King Salman Project
The King Salman Gate project is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s economy and society. This vision seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in various sectors, including tourism and hospitality.
The project is designed to support the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, which aims to enhance the journey of millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah each year.
By creating a world-class urban environment, the King Salman Gate project will contribute to the Kingdom’s goal of welcoming 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030.
Shaping Pilgrim Experience in Makkah
The launch of the King Salman Gate project represents a transformative step in the evolution of Makkah. With its ambitious goals of enhancing accessibility, preserving heritage, and supporting economic diversification, this development is set to redefine the experience of millions of pilgrims and visitors.
As Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its Vision 2030 objectives, the King Salman Gate project stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to progress and innovation.
More Redefining Hospitality Projects in Makkah
Address Hotel Jabal Omar
The 5-star Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel provides a luxurious stay, dining options, and other amenities, making it a spiritual sanctuary in the center of Makkah. Just 1640 feet from Masjid Al Haram, the hotel offers a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge, and a restaurant for its guests.
The 5-star Address Hotel in Jabal Omar Makkah has also revealed Sky Musallah, the highest prayer room in the world, located within a sky bridge.
It has earned a Guinness World Record at an impressive 483 meters above sea level. The Sky Musallah offers stunning panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, The Holy Kaaba, and Makkah City.
The sky bridge connects the two twin towers of The Address Jabal Omar Hotel, spanning the 36th to 38th floors, and has a capacity of 520 people. It is a remarkable lookout point for guests staying at this iconic and centrally located hotel in Makkah.
Jabal Omar Development
The Jabal Omar Development Project, an 8 Billion SAR project, is a one-of-a-kind initiative focused on revitalizing the urban area to offer high-quality lodging and facilitate religious, social, and business amenities and resources for both tourists and inhabitants of the sacred city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
By 2030, Jabal Omar Development Company plans to run 15 hotels across 230,000 square meters of area. These hotels will offer a direct view of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing guests with a convenient and spiritually enriching experience.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel
The Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, the first hotel in Saudi Arabia by the Jumeirah Hotel group from Dubai, has been officially announced to be open.
Located in the second phase of the Jabal Omar development, the hotel is positioned in the heart of Jabal Omar near the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram.
Featuring more than 1000 rooms and suites, some offering direct views of the haram, the hotel strives to provide extraordinary experiences to pilgrims on their Hajj and Umrah journeys.
Renowned Hotels in Jabal Omar Makkah
- Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel
- Hilton Suites Makkah Hotel
- Conrad Makkah
- Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Jabal Omar Hotel
- Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah
Masar Makkah Destination
The hotel landscape in Makkah is about to undergo a significant transformation with a massive investment of $666.6 million into the highly anticipated Masar Destination.
The Masar Destination, owned by Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co., has partnered with the General Authority of Awqaf to bring over 1,000 new upscale hotel rooms to the sacred city of Makkah.
The centerpiece of this project is the Residential Towers, which showcase the ambitious vision of Masar Destination.
In September 2023, Umm Al-Qura announced a collaboration with Scope Properties to construct Residential Towers in Makkah, a project worth $240 Million (SAR900 million).
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Makkah
Marriott International has signed an agreement to launch the largest Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the world in Holy Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Marriott is teaming up with BinDawood Trading subsidiaries to open the hotel in the Al Naseem district of Makkah in 2026, InshaAllah.
Scheduled to be named Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, the hotel is set to feature 2,179 keys and an 1,800 capacity restaurant.
The project supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to host 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims each year by 2030.
Opening of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah
Radisson Hotel Group has introduced the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Algharbi, further strengthening its footprint in the Holy City.
Situated within the Thakher City development, just 2.1 km from Al Masjid Al Haram, the hotel boasts 161 upscale rooms and provides a round-the-clock shuttle service to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The Thakher Makkah project is designed to host up to 1.6 million pilgrims once fully completed.
Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah
Accor, a top global hotel brand, has announced the Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah, an MGallery Collection hotel in collaboration with Alesayi Holding Group.
Opening in 2028, this luxury boutique property will include 276 hotel rooms and 214 residences for sale.
The design will incorporate Islamic heritage themes, with the first floor dedicated to Omar Ibn Al Khattab, the second caliph of Islam.
Voco Makkah
To provide for religious travelers’ needs during the Hajj or Umrah seasons, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its premium Voco brand in Makkah. Voco Makkah is the third Voco property in Saudi Arabia and the largest globally, with 4,321 keys.
Keep Reading: Marriott International to Open the World’s Largest Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Makkah
