King Salman Gate Project in Mecca: A Grand Vision to Host 900,000 Pilgrims and Boost Saudi Tourism

In a landmark announcement, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has launched the ambitious King Salman Gate project, a massive multipurpose development spanning 12 million square meters adjacent to Mecca’s Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). The project is designed to enhance the facilities and overall experience for pilgrims and visitors, aligning with the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The initiative aims to transform Mecca’s city center into a model of sustainable urban development, integrating spirituality, culture, and innovation. It reflects the Kingdom’s broader economic vision to diversify beyond oil by investing heavily in infrastructure, real estate, and tourism — a cornerstone of the nation’s transformation agenda.

A Blend of Faith, Culture, and Modernity

According to the Saudi Gazette, the King Salman Gate will serve as a comprehensive urban hub offering residential, cultural, and hospitality facilities alongside expansive indoor and outdoor prayer areas capable of hosting up to 900,000 worshippers. The project’s prime location near the Grand Mosque makes it a focal point for millions of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah each year.

Designed with an emphasis on accessibility, the project will be seamlessly connected to Mecca’s public transportation network to ensure easy and efficient movement of pilgrims. Combining Mecca’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary architecture and sustainable planning, the King Salman Gate aims to provide visitors with a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience while preserving the city’s sacred identity.

Economic Impact: Over 300,000 Jobs to Be Created

A key aspect of the development includes the restoration of 19,000 square meters of historical and cultural zones to enhance the spiritual and cultural engagement of visitors. The initiative is projected to generate more than 300,000 jobs by 2036, significantly contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.

The project is being spearheaded by the Rou’a Al-Haram Al-Makki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company aims to adhere to global real estate and sustainability standards while improving the quality of life for both residents and pilgrims in Mecca.

Saudi Arabia’s Mega Projects on the Rise

As per the Knight Frank Saudi Arabia Mega Projects Report 2025 cited by Gulf News, Saudi Arabia has awarded contracts worth $196 billion this year — a 20% increase over 2024 — signaling rapid growth in infrastructure and development sectors across the Kingdom. The King Salman Gate project is a vital component of this surge, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for global investment and sustainable urban innovation.

Boosting Religious Tourism Under Vision 2030

At the heart of this monumental initiative lies Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah sector, one of the nation’s primary sources of non-oil revenue. According to Dawn, Saudi authorities aim to host 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030, significantly increasing capacity for both Hajj and Umrah visitors through projects like the King Salman Gate.

Official data shows that the dual pilgrimages generated approximately $12 billion in 2019 alone. This year, Saudi Arabia’s financial regulators also approved policies allowing foreign investment in properties located in Mecca and Medina, further strengthening investor confidence and supporting the Vision 2030 economic framework.

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Progress

The King Salman Gate project embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to religious tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By merging ancient traditions with modern urban design, the initiative seeks to make Mecca a global example of faith-driven development and hospitality.

Once completed, this visionary project will not only reshape Mecca’s skyline but also redefine the pilgrim experience for generations to come — establishing a lasting legacy of innovation, devotion, and economic resilience under the leadership of Mohammed bin Salman.