Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, part of a long-term effort to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah each year. Alongside the mosque itself, one of the largest urban development projects ever undertaken adjacent to the holy site is now taking shape.
Raising the capacity of the Grand Mosque
King Salman, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has inaugurated a number of key projects within the comprehensive expansion of Masjid al-Haram, with implementation supervised by the Ministry of Finance. The works cover the expansion of the mataf buildings used for circumambulation of the Ka'bah, along with terraces, security facilities and a hospital.
According to Saudi authorities, the expansion is designed to raise the capacity of the Grand Mosque to around 1,850,000 worshippers. The improvements aim not only to increase space but also to enhance the flow of pilgrims, strengthen safety and provide better services within and around the mosque during the busiest periods of the year.
King Salman Gate: a mega development
Beyond the mosque itself, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of King Salman Gate, described as the largest urban development project adjacent to the Holy Mosque. The scheme spans roughly 12 million square metres directly beside Masjid al-Haram.
According to project details, King Salman Gate is planned to accommodate around 900,000 worshippers and will include tens of thousands of residential units and hotel rooms. The development is intended to blend accommodation, hospitality and worship space in the immediate vicinity of the mosque, easing pressure on the central area during peak seasons.
Serving the goals of Vision 2030
The expansion works are closely tied to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which sets ambitious targets for hosting pilgrims. The Kingdom aims to welcome around 30 million Umrah performers and six million Hajj pilgrims annually by 2030, figures that require a substantial increase in the capacity of both the holy sites and the surrounding infrastructure.
Transport links, cooling systems and crowd management technology are being developed in parallel with the construction, reflecting a coordinated approach to handling the rising numbers safely and comfortably.
What pilgrims can expect
Pilgrims travelling to Makkah during the construction period should be prepared for active building works around parts of the Grand Mosque precinct, which can affect access routes and the availability of certain areas at times. Following the guidance of on-site staff and official signage helps ensure a smooth visit.
Those planning their journey are advised to check for updates on any temporary changes to entrances, prayer areas or the mataf before travelling, and to allow extra time to reach the mosque during peak hours. Choosing accommodation with clear transport links to the Haram, and staying informed through official channels, will help pilgrims navigate the area comfortably while the long-term improvements continue.