One of Makkah's landmark hotels overlooking the Grand Mosque is set for a major upgrade. The Makkah Construction and Development Company has signed a SAR372 million contract with Innovative Roots Industrial Company to renovate rooms and associated towers at the historic Makkah Towers.
The project reflects the steady investment flowing into hotel capacity around the Haram as Saudi Arabia works to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj each year.
A phased, 19-month project
According to the company, the renovation will run for 19 months and be carried out in phases to keep disruption to a minimum. Work has been scheduled around peak travel periods so that the hotel remains fully operational during Ramadan and the Hajj season, when demand for rooms close to the Grand Mosque is at its highest.
The phased approach is significant for pilgrims. It means the property is expected to keep serving guests throughout the upgrade rather than closing entirely, reducing the risk of last-minute booking changes for those who have reserved rooms there.
A landmark address near the Haram
Opened in 1993, the five-star Makkah Towers is one of the oldest luxury hotels in the holy city. It overlooks Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, a position that has long made it a sought-after choice for pilgrims who want to be within walking distance of the mataf.
Hotels in this central zone command premium rates precisely because of their proximity to the mosque. Refurbishing an established property helps maintain the supply of high-standard rooms in an area where new land is scarce.
Part of a wider building drive
The renovation is one of many projects reshaping accommodation and infrastructure around the Haram. Saudi authorities have pursued large-scale developments in central Makkah to raise the quality and quantity of rooms available to visitors, alongside transport and crowd-management improvements across the holy sites.
For the pilgrim, the trend points to more modern rooms near the mosque over time, though often at a premium price.
Investment flows into Makkah hospitality
The upgrade reflects the strength of the pilgrimage economy. Recent figures show hotels in Makkah and Madinah leading Saudi tourism spending, as rising Umrah and Hajj traffic keeps occupancy high through much of the year. That demand encourages owners to reinvest in older properties rather than let standards slip.
Central Makkah has limited room to expand outward, so refurbishing landmark towers is one of the few ways to add high-quality capacity in the ring closest to the Haram.
Practical tips for booking in central Makkah
Pilgrims planning to stay near the Grand Mosque should book well ahead, especially for Ramadan and Hajz-season dates when central hotels fill quickly. Confirm the exact walking distance to the Haram, as "close to the mosque" can still mean a significant walk through crowds.
When reserving any hotel undergoing works, ask whether renovation is scheduled during the stay and request written confirmation of the room category. Keep booking records and, where possible, choose properties and agents that are licensed and integrated with the Nusuk system to reduce the risk of problems on arrival.