Mecca airport, metro plans move forward, says Saudi official

Dubai: Plans to develop a new airport and metro system in Mecca are progressing, Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Mecca City and the Holy Sites, said in an interview with Harvard Business Review Arabia on March 25.

He said detailed studies for a world-class airport in the holy city have been completed. The strategic, economic, and investment directions for Mecca Airport have been approved, and plans are underway to work with the private sector to develop the most suitable investment model for this development, Al-Rasheed said.

He added that the project is being designed to serve both residents and visitors, while ensuring it does not affect the economic viability of existing airports in nearby cities.

Metro project advances

Al-Rasheed also confirmed progress on the long-awaited Mecca Metro project. He said feasibility studies and initial designs have been finalised.

He said feasibility studies and initial designs have been completed and submitted to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary procedures in preparation for launching it in its next phases.

The metro is expected to play a key role in easing congestion and improving mobility, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Public transport network expands

Significant progress has already been made in strengthening Mecca's public transport system, particularly in bus services, he added.

According to Al-Rasheed, the Mecca bus network currently includes 400 buses operating across 12 routes, covering a total distance of 580 kilometres. The network serves 430 stops, in addition to four main stations in the central area.

Since its launch in February 2022, the service has served over 185 million passengers, with more than 3.8 million completed trips, he said.

He said Mecca’s road infrastructure has also undergone major upgrades to accommodate increasing traffic and improve access to key religious sites.

Al-Rasheed stated that major sections of the first, second and third ring roads have been completed and opened, with improved connectivity to routes leading to the Grand Mosque and the holy sites, including King Abdul Aziz Road and Ibrahim Al Khalil Road. Efforts have also been made to expand and enhance entry points into the city.