Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites CEO Saleh Al-Rasheed said plans for a new airport and metro system for Makkah are progressing.
Speaking to Harvard Business Review Arabia, he confirmed that both projects have reached key milestones on 25 March.
He stated that detailed studies for a world-class airport are now complete. The strategic, economic, and investment frameworks for Makkah Airport have been approved, and discussions with the private sector are underway to determine the best funding and delivery model.
The airport is being designed to serve both locals and pilgrims, without undermining the financial viability of existing airports in neighbouring cities.
Turning to transport within the city, Al-Rasheed revealed that the long-awaited Makkah Metro has moved past the feasibility stage. Initial designs have been finalised and submitted to the relevant authorities, paving the way for the next phases of development.
Once operational, the metro is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve mobility, especially during the annual Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Al-Rasheed also highlighted major strides in Makkah’s bus network. Currently, 400 buses operate on 12 routes covering 580 kilometres, serving 430 stops plus four main terminals in the central area. Since launching in February 2022, the bus service has recorded over 185 million passengers and more than 3.8 million trips.
Road infrastructure has also seen substantial upgrades. Large portions of the first, second, and third ring roads have been completed and opened, with better links to routes leading to the Grand Mosque and other holy sites – including King Abdul Aziz Road and Ibrahim Al Khalil Road. Entry points to the city have been expanded and improved as well.
