King Salman Gate development could gain a $5.5 billion mixed-use construction project under a new Saudi-Malaysian agreement. RUA AlHaram AlMakki and MRCB International signed the agreement in Kuala Lumpur. The partnership will study a transport-oriented development within the wider King Salman Gate project.
The proposed scheme carries an indicative gross development value of SR21 billion ($5.5 billion). However, the figure remains subject to due diligence and further project development. The partners must also secure regulatory approvals, financing and definitive agreements.
King Salman Gate development already forms part of Makkah’s major urban transformation programme. RUA AlHaram AlMakki, a Public Investment Fund company, leads the wider development. The project sits adjacent to AlMasjid AlHaram in Makkah.
King Salman Gate development adds transport-focused construction
The proposed development will combine a public bus terminal with several mixed-use components. These include residential, commercial and retail facilities.
The partners also plan to integrate mobility with accommodation and other visitor services. Consequently, the development could create a more connected urban destination around the holy site.
RUA and MRCB will examine different frameworks for development, funding and project delivery. The companies will also assess opportunities for international investment and development expertise.
MRCB brings extensive transit-oriented development experience to the proposed scheme. Its portfolio includes KL Sentral, Malaysia’s major integrated transport hub.
The Malaysian developer says this experience aligns with King Salman Gate’s mobility objectives. The proposed development therefore links transport infrastructure with residential and commercial construction.
King Salman Gate development expands wider Makkah construction vision
The $5.5 billion proposal sits within a substantially larger development planned by RUA. King Salman Gate covers up to 12 million square metres of gross floor area. It also includes residential, hospitality, commercial and cultural uses.
The wider project will provide capacity for about 900,000 indoor and outdoor prayer spaces. It will also restore and develop approximately 19,000 square metres of heritage sites.
Furthermore, the wider King Salman Gate project aims to improve access to AlMasjid AlHaram. It will connect with public transportation networks while integrating modern development with Makkah’s architectural heritage.
The project also supports Saudi Vision 2030 through planned economic and urban development. RUA expects the wider development to generate more than 300,000 jobs by 2036.
The latest agreement does not confirm construction commencement for the proposed $5.5 billion scheme. Instead, it establishes a framework for exploring the development opportunity.
The next stages will depend on feasibility work, approvals, financing and definitive agreements. Therefore, the indicative value should not be treated as confirmed construction expenditure.
A related development in Saudi Arabia’s urban housing pipeline is the Al-Arous Integrated Community in Jeddah, a 4-million-square-metre project featuring more than 18,000 residential units alongside parks, schools, mosques, pedestrian routes and cycling paths. The development also connects residents with Jeddah’s public transport network and major roads.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Proposed King Salman Gate mixed-use development
Location: Jabal Al Kaabah area, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Wider development: King Salman Gate
Development value: Approximately SR21 billion ($5.5 billion) indicative gross development value
Development type: Transport-oriented mixed-use development
Proposed transport facility: Public bus terminal
Proposed components: Residential, commercial, retail and other mixed-use facilities
Wider King Salman Gate gross floor area: Up to 12 million square metres
Wider prayer capacity: Approximately 900,000 indoor and outdoor prayer spaces
Heritage component: Approximately 19,000 square metres
Primary objective: Improve transport connectivity and accessibility for pilgrims and visitors
Current status: Exploratory agreement and development study
Agreement date: September 28, 2026
Value status: Indicative and subject to due diligence
Key approvals: Regulatory approvals remain outstanding
Financing status: Funding framework remains under exploration
Delivery status: Definitive development agreements remain outstanding
Wider developer: RUA AlHaram AlMakki
Wider ownership: Public Investment Fund-owned company
Strategic context: Saudi Vision 2030 and Makkah urban transformation
Project Team
Master developer: RUA AlHaram AlMakki
Strategic partner: MRCB International
Parent company: Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB)
Wider project owner: Public Investment Fund through RUA AlHaram AlMakki
RUA CEO: Bambang Kajairi
MRCB Group Managing Director: Dato’ Imran Salim
Transit-oriented development expertise: MRCB International
Reference integrated transport project: KL Sentral, Malaysia
Development framework: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and MRCB International
Funding exploration: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and MRCB International
Project delivery framework: RUA AlHaram AlMakki and MRCB International
Leave a Reply