Future of Makkah: How King Salman Gate will serve 900,000 worshippers annually

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the new ‘King  Salman Gate’ at Makkah near the Grand Mosque. The Centre will provide  residential, cultural, and service facilities to pilgrims near the mosque. It will serve at least 900,000 worshippers in its indoor and outdoor prayer areas, according to Saudi Gazette.

With a total built-up area of 12 million square meters, the King Salman Gate will transform the infrastructure and urban landscape of Makkah into a global model of sustainable urban development. It also aligns with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, the report added.  

The Gate will feature Makkah’s rich architectural heritage with modern urban design. It will ensure comfort for the pilgrims, while preserving the city’s historical and cultural identity. The gate will also be connected to public transport networks.

“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,” according to authorities.

The authorities will rehabilitate approximately 19,000 square meters of  heritage and cultural zones will be rehabilitated as part of the project to enhance visitors’ experiences. It is expected to contribute to creating over 300,000 jobs by 2036, according to reports.

The King Salman Gate project is being developed by Rou’a Al-Haram Al-Makki Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary.

The project also marks a major milestone in the development of Makkah and its central area, establishing it as a global benchmark in modern city planning.

Middle East