In a move aimed at enhancing access to Mecca, the holy city in Islam, Saleh Al-Rasheed, the CEO of the Royal Commission for Mecca and the Holy Sites, announced plans to establish a new airport in the city. This announcement was made during an interview with Harvard Business Review Arabia, where he confirmed that "the strategic, economic, and investment directions for Mecca Airport have been approved."
Al-Rasheed added that the commission will work in collaboration with the private sector to develop a suitable investment model for the project. It is noteworthy that Mecca currently does not have a functional international airport, forcing most international visitors to travel to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which is about 100 kilometers away from the city, and then transfer to Mecca via land transportation.
Event Details
Mecca faces challenges in air travel due to its mountainous terrain, which can lead to air disturbances and visibility difficulties. In 2024, Saudi Arabia experimented with self-driving electric planes to explore the possibility of facilitating emergency travel and transporting medical equipment, according to reports from Arab News.
In a related context, Al-Rasheed discussed the "Mecca Metro" project, noting that feasibility studies and preliminary designs have been completed and submitted to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary procedures in preparation for launching the project in its upcoming phases.
Background & Context
Mecca attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world annually. Last year, the Kingdom hosted over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and financially and physically able Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj lasts between five to six days, depending on the sighting of the moon in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On the other hand, Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, increasing the number of visitors to Mecca. Saudi Arabia has launched public transport services in the city, which includes a fleet of 400 buses operating on 12 routes covering 580 kilometers, having transported over 185 million passengers since its launch in 2022.
Impact & Consequences
These projects are part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to improve infrastructure and enhance religious tourism. The establishment of the airport and metro is expected to facilitate the movement of pilgrims, thereby enhancing the visiting experience and reducing traffic congestion.
Moreover, these projects will open new horizons for investment in Mecca, contributing to the development of the local economy and creating new job opportunities. Improving transportation will enhance the city's capacity to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, especially with the growing numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers each year.
Regional Significance
Mecca is a significant religious center not only for Muslims but for the entire world. Improving access to this holy city reflects the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing religious tourism, which may encourage other countries to develop similar projects at their religious sites.
In conclusion, these plans represent a positive step towards improving the experience of pilgrims and visitors, reflecting the Kingdom's ambitious vision for the future of Mecca as a global religious destination.