Saudi Crown Prince Announces Launch of King Salman Gate in Makkah
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has announced the launch of a new development project in Makkah called King Salman Gate, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
A Major Development Near the Grand Mosque
King Salman Gate will cover an area of about 12 million square meters, located close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The project aims to improve urban infrastructure and make it easier for people to reach the Grand Mosque. It will also focus on improving the quality of services offered to visitors and residents.
The development will include residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural areas, offering a wide range of experiences for residents, pilgrims, and tourists. The site will have enough space for about 900,000 people to pray both indoors and outdoors.
Preserving Heritage and Creating Jobs
In addition to modern facilities, the project will also focus on protecting and restoring heritage sites. About 19,000 square meters of heritage areas will be developed and preserved as part of the plan.
King Salman Gate is expected to have a major impact on the local economy. It will create more than 300,000 jobs by 2036, helping support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and growth.
Developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company
The project is being led by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Crown Prince serves as the chairman of the company. RUA’s mission is to support PIF’s strategy of improving the areas around the Grand Mosque, making Makkah a model city for real estate and urban development worldwide.
Increase in Pilgrims and Visitors
Makkah continues to see strong growth in the number of pilgrims and visitors. During the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Akhir (between September and October), the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque reported that more than 13 million people visited the Two Holy Mosques. Out of this, over 4.1 million visited the Grand Mosque, while nearly 2.9 million performed Umrah.
The rising number of visitors highlights the importance of projects like King Salman Gate, which aim to improve infrastructure, services, and overall visitor experience in Makkah.
New Law for Foreign Property Ownership
In another major move, Saudi Arabia recently approved a new law that will allow foreign nationals to own property in the country starting next year. This decision is part of the government’s plan to attract more foreign investment and diversify the economy beyond oil.
Foreign ownership will be permitted in certain areas such as Riyadh and Jeddah. However, special rules will apply for Makkah and Madinah due to their religious importance.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of King Salman Gate marks another step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform Makkah into a modern, world-class city while respecting its spiritual and cultural heritage. The project aims to support the growing number of visitors, create jobs, and make Makkah a symbol of both tradition and progress.
Published: 17th October 2025
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