Masar Project Nears Completion, To Enhance Pilgrims' Experience In Makkah

From Massita Ahmad

MAKKAH, June 4 (Bernama) -- A visionary development at the heart of Islam’s holiest city, Saudi Arabia’s Masar Destination project is nearing completion and is on course to transform the experience of millions of pilgrims.

The flagship urban development under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, launched in January 2022, has completed over 99.7 per cent of its core infrastructure works and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

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As part of the Saudi government's Hajj Programme, international media, including Malaysian outlets, were given a special tour and briefing on the Masar project by architect Amjad Fadol, who shared insights into the development’s design, objectives, and how it is expected to serve millions of pilgrims annually.

More than 30 media agencies from across the globe participated in this year's Hajj coverage, which included the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), TV AlHijrah, Astro Awani, Astro Oasis, and Media Prima.

Despite the sweltering 40 degrees Celsius heat, the media corps were visibly thrilled to observe the iconic Clock Tower from within the Masar project construction area.

Amjad said Masar stretches over 3.5 kilometres, connecting the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station to the Grand Mosque.

“Once complete, it will serve as a key gateway to the Holy Mosque, offering pilgrims a safer and more structured arrival experience,” he said.

The development also features 41,000 hotel keys, 9,000 residential units, and 330,000 square metres of commercial and retail space. It also houses a hospital, mosque, business facilities, cultural centres, and public transport links.

At the core of the Masar concept is a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, complete with shaded walkways, rest areas, and innovative crowd management technologies.

“These features are designed to ensure a smooth and spiritually focused journey for pilgrims, particularly during the peak Hajj and Umrah seasons,” Amjad said.

Amjad said the Saudi authorities have positioned the project as a cornerstone of the national strategy to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.

“It is part of broader efforts to diversify the economy, promote religious tourism, and modernise Makkah's urban infrastructure,” he said.

Despite its scale, he said the project has retained its focus on preserving the sanctity and historical identity of the Holy City, integrating traditional Islamic architectural elements with modern urban planning.

The project is owned, developed, and operated by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company, which in recent months has inked strategic agreements – including a key partnership with AlRajhi United Real Estate to deliver key hospitality components of the project.

Media personnel and other visitors to the site commended the Saudi government’s commitment to delivering an experience that reflects both heritage and innovation.

For further details, the public may visit the official portal at www.masardestination.com.

--BERNAMA