King Salman Gate project: How it will transform Mecca and serve nearly a million pilgrims annually

King Salman Gate mega-project in Mecca that will house 9 lakh pilgrims

Saudi Arabia is developing the King Salman Gate project next to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, covering approximately 12 million square meters.

The launch of the King Salman Gate project was announced by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, situated adjacent to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

The multi-use development aims to transform Mecca’s central area into a global benchmark for sustainable urban development, improving services for pilgrims and residents while aligning with the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.

“King Salman Gate's urban development and infrastructure transformation will contribute to enhancing access to AlMasjid AlHaram, elevating service quality, and enriching every visitor's journey,” authorities said.

HRH Crown Prince announces the launch of #King_Salman_Gate, a transformative multi-use development in the Holy City of Makkah. pic.twitter.com/JLxCi8J50W

— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) October 15, 2025

Why does it matter? 

• The project is located near the Grand Mosque, King Salman Gate, with a capacity to accommodate around 900,000 worshippers. It features residential, hospitality, cultural, and service facilities, alongside indoor and outdoor prayer areas, according to Saudi Gazette.
• The project includes the rehabilitation of 19,000 square meters of heritage and cultural zones, preserving Mecca’s historical identity while enhancing spiritual and cultural experiences, and is expected to create over 300,000 jobs by 2036.
• The development comprises 50,000 branded housing units, 16,000 4- and 5-star hotel rooms, and over 200,000 square meters of retail and commercial space, alongside 39,000 parking spaces to ensure comfort and convenience for pilgrims and residents alike.
• It will also integrate public transport networks, ensuring seamless access to the holy site while combining Mecca’s architectural heritage with a modern urban blend.
• It is being developed by Rou’a Al-Haram Al-Makki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), designed to meet global standards in sustainability and real estate development.
• Gulf News cited Knight Frank's fourth annual Saudi Arabia Giga Projects Report to state that Saudi Arabia's giga projects have secured $196 billion in contract awards this year, representing a 20% increase from 2024.

RUA Al-Haram Al-Makki Company emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainable resource management and innovative environmental solutions, noting: “The project will have a lasting positive impact on residents, pilgrims, and visitors while preserving Makkah’s cultural fabric.”

The King Salman Gate represents a major milestone in Mecca’s transformation, blending heritage preservation with modern urban planning, enhancing the pilgrimage experience, supporting economic growth, and setting a new global standard for sustainable city development.