The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has launched one of the largest urban development programs in the holy city in its history, committing more than SR16.3 billion (about $4.35 billion) to redevelop seven central districts. The announcement was made during a ceremony on the evening of July 1, 2026, where a series of agreements were signed to formally launch the projects.

According to Arab News, the projects will cover a combined area of more than 4.4 million square meters. The work forms part of the city's Developed Districts Program, an initiative aimed at renewing the neighborhoods closest to the Grand Mosque while preserving the character of Makkah and improving daily life for its residents.

Seven districts at the heart of the plan

The new phase focuses on seven central sites: South Jurhum, Al-Hajlah, Al-Khalidiyah, three separate areas within Al-Hindawiyah, and Al-Zuhur. These are among the districts the commission has identified as most in need of attention.

Rather than turning to outside contractors, the Royal Commission has handed the work to a series of national partners drawn from Saudi Arabia's own real estate and investment sector. The South Jurhum project was awarded to an alliance of Muad International Ltd. and Al-Rajhi Real Estate Union Co. The Al-Hajlah project went to a group pairing Zood Al-Oula Real Estate Co. with Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Habib and Sons Holding Co. and Jadwa Investment.

The Al-Khalidiyah project fell to Ladun Investment Co. and Al-Ayuni Investment and Contracting Co. The eastern stretch of Al-Hindawiyah drew an alliance of Al-Jada Al-Oula Real Estate Development Co., Dar Al-Majed Real Estate Co., Rikaz Real Estate Co. and Jadwa Investment. Development of the southern and western districts of Al-Hindawiyah went to a consortium of Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co., Makkah Construction and Development Co., and Al-Rajhi Real Estate Union Co. Al-Zuhur, the seventh site, was assigned to Tawafuq Co. and Matoon Co.

Renewing the city without losing its character

Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, spoke during the ceremony announcing the new phase. Officials described the work as centered on upgrading the built environment, sharpening the cityscape and improving daily life for the neighborhoods involved.

The commission stressed that the program is designed to preserve the urban fabric of the sites and the surrounding areas, not to erase it. The broader goal, officials said, is to make Makkah more attractive as a place to invest and build, while steering the city's growth in a way that keeps pace with a rapidly expanding population without losing sight of residents' needs.

Officials expect the benefits to reach well beyond the seven sites themselves. They anticipate a lift in the quality of surrounding areas, a more efficient wider urban environment, and new opportunities for development and investment across the city.

Part of a wider vision for Makkah

The program sits within a much larger transformation of Makkah tied to Saudi Vision 2030. The announcement follows a string of major projects around the holy city, including the multi-use King Salman Gate development adjacent to the Grand Mosque and continued expansion of transport and hospitality infrastructure.

Taken together, officials said, the new phase reflects a push toward a more efficient, better-organized and more appealing city, one that honors Makkah's religious and strategic weight while serving both the residents who live there and the millions who travel to it each year for Hajj and Umrah.

What it means for pilgrims and visitors

For pilgrims planning Umrah in the months ahead, the redevelopment is a long-term project rather than an immediate change to the pilgrimage experience. Still, there are a few practical points worth keeping in mind:

  • Expect construction activity. Several central districts near the Grand Mosque will see building work over the coming years. Pilgrims staying in older neighborhoods should confirm their hotel location and access routes before travel.
  • Book accommodation early. As central districts are upgraded, room availability and pricing in the areas closest to the Haram can shift. Reserving accommodation well ahead through the Nusuk platform helps avoid last-minute difficulty.
  • Allow extra time for movement. Where redevelopment work is underway, foot and vehicle routes may be adjusted. Building in extra time for the walk to and from the Grand Mosque is a sensible precaution, especially during the summer heat.
  • Follow official updates. Pilgrims should rely on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Nusuk app for confirmed information on any access changes rather than unofficial sources.

The Royal Commission framed the program as a step toward keeping Makkah's growth sustainable while affirming confidence in an urban future built around the needs of pilgrims and residents alike.