The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has announced one of the largest urban development programs in the city's history during a ceremony on Tuesday evening. The initiative, part of the Developed Districts Program, covers an area of more than 4.4 million square meters and is backed by over SR16.3 billion ($4.35 billion) in investment.
Seven Central Sites Targeted
The new phase focuses on seven central sites: South Jurhum, Al-Hajlah, Al-Khalidiyah, three areas in Al-Hindawiyah, and Al-Zuhur. Rather than using outside contractors, the commission has entrusted the projects to a series of national partners.
South Jurhum will be developed by a consortium of Muad International Ltd. and Al-Rajhi Real Estate Union Co. The Al-Hajlah project was awarded to Zood Al-Oula Real Estate Co., Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Habib and Sons Holding Co., and Jadwa Investment. Al-Khalidiyah will be handled by Ladun Investment Co. and Al-Ayuni Investment and Contracting Co.
The eastern stretch of Al-Hindawiyah will be developed by Al-Jada Al-Oula Real Estate Development Co., Dar Al-Majed Real Estate Co., Rikaz Real Estate Co., and Jadwa Investment. The southern and western districts of Al-Hindawiyah went to Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co., Makkah Construction and Development Co., and Al-Rajhi Real Estate Union Co. Al-Zuhour, the seventh site, was assigned to Tawafuq Co. and Matoon Co.
Focus on Urban Fabric and Quality of Life
The work centers on districts most in need of attention and involves upgrading the built environment, sharpening the cityscape, and improving daily life. The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites also aims to preserve the urban fabric of the sites and surrounding neighborhoods.
According to Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the broader goal is to make Makkah more attractive as a place to invest and build, steering its growth to keep pace with a rapidly expanding city while addressing residents' needs. Officials expect positive ripple effects to extend beyond the seven sites, lifting the quality of surrounding areas, making the urban environment more efficient, and opening new opportunities for development and investment.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
The program aims to keep Makkah's growth sustainable and affirm confidence in an urban future that honors the city's religious and strategic weight while serving the millions who live in and travel to it. Taken together, the new phase reflects a push toward a more efficient, better-organized, and more appealing city in line with the aims of Saudi Vision 2030.
