What is a King Salman Gate?

King Salman Gate is a new urban development project announced in October 2025 by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. It’s not a single gate but a gateway to enter the Haram. The complex is to be built adjacent to the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. Twelve million square metres is estimated to be covered by this project. The idea behind this project is to build a huge complex providing housing, hospitality, commercial, cultural, and service facilities to Umrah pilgrims coming from different parts of the world. The project also aims to provide access to the Masjid Al-Haram and improve overall infrastructure.

By building this project, approximately 900,000 worshippers can offer prayer in indoor prayer halls and outdoor courtyards. The development project also includes the restoration and development of heritage and cultural zones. Renovations to public places around the mosque and facilities for public transportation are also included in the plan.

The development project will be carried out by RUA AlHaram Al Makki Company. The company is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. The project is part of Vision 2030 to modernise Makkah’s infrastructure and increase the capacity of the prayer area, and provide easy access to the Haram to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.

When the Urab Development Project Was Announced, and What is the Current Status

The King Salman Gate in Makkah project was officially announced in October 2025 by Mohammad Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The project is in its initial phase, and the announcement has been made. The master plan is ready, and development is officially launched.

​As the project is in its very initial stages, no timeline has been given for final completion dates. It is also not clear when the project will deliver housing, hotels, prayer halls, and transport infrastructure. While the main idea and intentions are clear, many things are not revealed publicly.

What It Means for Travel Agents and Umrah / Hajj Businesses

The Urban development project will be believed to be a great opportunity for tour operators, travel agents, and service providers. The project will enhance the accommodation capacity on a larger scale. The accommodation and commercial space may allow agents to offer more Umrah Packages with a variety of perks, with newer hotels and apartments offering modern amenities, improved access, and better pricing of hotels. With the improved infrastructure and better transport facilities, staying near the Haram could become more convenient and accessible than ever.

At the same time, Umrah travelers and travel agents must note that there may be disruptions. The roads may be closed from various points, access to the Haram may be temporarily limited, traffic congestion is expected, and dust and noise are the expected disturbances.

The project is massive and is primarily situated in the western area of Makkah, connecting several districts. The development is strategically located to intersect and improve the access of the Haram from both Ajyad and Ibrahim Khalil areas. Travel agents need to play their roles vigilantly. They need to check whether the hotels they are providing to their clients are on the development site, which might risk cancellations or guest dissatisfaction. Existing hotels on the project site may need to relocate, suspend operations, or reassign rooms. This whole project could cause significant logistical and reputational challenges. 

Travel agents should have complete information about the hotels coming in the way to the project site. They should take provisional bookings, confirmation must come directly from hotels or property owners, and clients should be informed about possible disturbances and issues. Travel agents can also get a bulk of benefits once the project is completed. They can secure hotel rooms in advance and offer comfortable Umrah Packages to the pilgrims.

What Travel Agents Should Do Before Booking Hotels Near Haram

Keeping in view the present uncertainty, travel agents should take precautions. They should do thorough research before committing clients to hotel bookings near Masjid Al-Haram.

First, keep in contact with the hotels and get information from them directly, whether their hotels are still operational and remain outside the redevelopment zone. Confirm whether the authorities have given them clearance to accept bookings for upcoming months or years. It is crucial not to rely solely on third-party booking platforms.

Second, when offering packages for Umrah, include a clause in the white paper about possible changes in bookings due to redevelopment. It is important to maintain transparency with clients about potential disruptions or reassignments and offer alternative hotel options outside the construction zones.

Third, keep yourself updated with the announcements from RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company and local municipal authorities. Once redevelopment zones are officially mapped, check if the required hotels fall inside those zones.

Fourth, consider flexible booking strategies. It is better to avoid large bulk bookings in project site areas until redevelopment stabilises.

Fifth, if clients prefer convenience and proximity to Haram, inform them about potential issues due to the project and the benefits, also once King Salman Gate is completed.

Why This Project Matters

The King Salman Gate project’s objective is to provide more space to the worshippers by offering more accommodation facilities, improving access, and building modern infrastructure. One of the objectives of the project is to protect the cultural heritage and renovate the sites, wherever necessary. Pilgrims will benefit from better facilities and easier movement near the Haram. Residents and local businesses will see new hotels, services, and job opportunities. For travel agents, it creates long-term potential for new partnerships and better Umrah packages. For the city of Makkah, it marks a major step toward a more organized and modern urban environment built to support an increasing number of pilgrims.