Everything we know about the Makkah Airport and metro so far
The news was revealed by the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites
For the first time, plans to build a Makkah Airport and a metro system have just been revealed and are already underway. According to the official, the city is moving ahead with major transport and infrastructure upgrades. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Makkah Airport and metro system plans.
When speaking of the Makkah Airport and metro system plans, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, Saleh Al-Rasheed, announced in an interview with Harvard Business Review that the strategic and economic investment directions to build Makkah Airport to international standards have been approved, according to Saudi Gazette.
The Royal Commission will collaborate with the private sector to create suitable investment models without compromising the feasibility of airports in neighbouring cities, he stated. According to Al-Rasheed, the feasibility studies and initial designs for the Makkah Metro have also been completed.
In the interview, Al-Rasheed also detailed plans to monitor and manage crowd movement in the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas using artificial intelligence to improve the visitors’ experience. The initiative will be known as “Smart Makkah.”
In order to enhance the pilgrim experience, this also includes aerial imaging integrated with the “Balady” application and predictive systems for crowd flow at the Jamarat Bridge and the main, central zones.
More improvements will also be made to existing transport services, including advancements in bus, taxi, and guided transport systems, alongside the launch of “Makkah Taxi,” which will feature modern vehicles equipped with tracking systems and electronic payment options, as well as electric and hybrid models.
Infrastructure upgrades
Major sections of the first, second, and third ring roads have been completed and linked to main routes leading to the Grand Mosque and holy sites, including King Abdulaziz Road and Ibrahim Al-Khalil Road, alongside upgraded city entrances.
Developmental upgrades
Development projects also include upgrading eight sites in Arafat covering around 190,000 square meters, establishing two-story tents over 33,000 square meters, developing 10 residential towers with a capacity for 27,000 pilgrims, and building a 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina.
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