By Asiimwe Angel
In a step that enhances Mecca’s status as a global destination for worship, culture, and sustainable development, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sacred Mosque and Prophetic Mosque Development Company (Rusay), announced today the launch of the “King Salman Gateway” project. This massive, multi-use development spans a total built area of up to 12 million square meters and is strategically located adjacent to the Grand Mosque, making it one of the most prominent developmental initiatives in the history of the holy city.
The announcement comes in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to achieve a qualitative leap in the infrastructure development of Mecca and the central region, establishing it as a global model for sustainable urban development. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the project will play a key role in supporting the “Serving the Guests of the Most Merciful” program by facilitating access to the Sacred House of God and providing high-quality services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, while enriching their spiritual and cultural journey.
The “King Salman Gateway” project is distinguished by its unique location, directly connected to public transportation, which facilitates access to the Grand Mosque and reduces congestion in the surrounding area. It blends Mecca’s historical architectural heritage with modern life, offering luxury residential facilities, commercial zones, and cultural and service spaces. Among its standout features is an enormous capacity accommodating nearly 900,000 worshippers in indoor prayer halls and outdoor plazas, enhancing the city’s ability to host millions of visitors annually.
Additionally, the project emphasizes preserving Mecca’s cultural and heritage identity by developing and rehabilitating up to 19,000 square meters of cultural and historical areas. This approach combines respect for the past with innovation for the future, making “King Salman Gateway” not just an urban complex, but a cultural destination that reflects the depth of Islamic heritage.
The project’s role extends beyond the religious and cultural aspects to support the national economy as a core part of Vision 2030. It is expected to create over 300,000 job opportunities by 2036, contributing to economic diversification and boosting local employment. The company responsible for the project, “Rusay for the Sacred Mosque Development” – one of the Public Investment Fund’s companies – is developing this initiative as a model for investment partnerships, with a focus on environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
This launch crowns ongoing efforts to develop areas around the Grand Mosque, where Rusay has contributed to previous projects that successfully elevated services for the guests of the Most Merciful. With this new project, the Kingdom is heading toward transforming Mecca into a smart city that combines spirituality and modernity, enhancing its global appeal and achieving ambitious national goals.
The launch of “King Salman Gateway” serves as evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its role as the pulsating heart of the Islamic nation, while preserving the sanctity of the site and developing it to meet contemporary needs. With the approaching Hajj and Umrah seasons, the project is expected to bring positive transformation to the experience of millions of visitors, reflecting the Crown Prince’s vision for building a prosperous future that unites faith and progress.
