As mobility is emerging as a defining element of Makkah’s evolving urban landscape, a major new development set to shape Makkah’s next urban chapter.
Saudi developer RUA AlHaram AlMakki and Malaysia’s MRCB International have signed an agreement to explore a transport-oriented mixed-use development at King Salman Gate, carrying an indicative gross development value of around SR21 billion ($5.5 billion).
A connected vision for Makkah
The proposed development would bring a public bus terminal into a wider mix of residential, commercial and retail spaces, creating an integrated development rather than standing alone as transport facility.
Together, these components would form part of King Salman Gate, the major Makkah development led by RUA, a company backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The agreement brought the two sides together in Kuala Lumpur, where RUA CEO Bambang Kajairi and MRCB Group Managing Director Dato’ Imran Salim formalized the agreement.
Adding weight to the significance of the collaboration, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and senior officials from both companies attended the signing ceremony.
How could integrated transport reshape Makkah?
Remarkably, the project will draw on MRCB’s experience in creating integrated transport environments, including KL Sentral, Malaysia’s largest integrated transport hub.
At King Salman Gate, that expertise could translate into an advanced development where buses, accommodation, retail and other services are combined within a more connected urban setting, supporting easier movement for pilgrims and visitors.
While the development carries an indicative value of SR21 billion, its scope and final value will depend on due diligence, regulatory approvals, financing, project phasing and the signing of definitive agreements.
Opening King Salman Gate to global expertise
At a broader level, the partnership could also help shape how the project is financed, developed and delivered, mirroring RUA’s aspirations to bring global investment and development expertise to King Salman Gate. That international expertise forms part of RUA AlHaram AlMakki’s broader push to develop King Salman Gate.
As a Public Investment Fund company and the project’s master developer, RUA is seeking to attract leading global partners to bring specialized expertise and investment to the destination. This vision underpins efforts to create a more seamless and elevated experience for pilgrims and visitors to Makkah, in line with global standards.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, King Salman Gate embodies an ambition to create a more enriching experience for pilgrims and visitors from around the world while safeguarding the distinctive heritage that sets Makkah apart.
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