Plans to construct an airport and a metro system in Makkah are gaining momentum as officials look to improve transport capacity and better serve the millions of pilgrims who visit the city each year, reported the Saudi Gazette.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites is moving forward with the major transport and infrastructure upgrades plan, said its CEO Saleh Al Rasheed, which will also see 10 new residential towers being developed to house 27,000 pilgrims as well as a 200-bed hospital in Mina.

Approval has been secured for the strategic and economic investment directions to develop Makkah Airport to global standards, aimed at serving millions of visitors, said Al Rasheed in an interview with Harvard Business Review.

The Commission will work with the private sector to develop suitable investment models without affecting the feasibility of airports in neighboring cities, he stated.

Al Rasheed revealed that feasibility studies and preliminary designs for the Makkah Metro have already been completed.

He also pointed to transport improvements, including advancements in bus, taxi and guided transport systems, alongside the launch of “Makkah Taxi,” featuring modern vehicles equipped with tracking systems and electronic payment options, as well as electric and hybrid models.

At the infrastructure level, the top official said work has been completed on major sections of the first, second and third ring roads and key routes leading to the Grand Mosque and holy sites, including King Abdulaziz Road and Ibrahim Al-Khalil Road, alongside upgraded city entrances.

Development projects also include development of 10 residential towers with a capacity for 27,000 pilgrims and building a 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina.