Just 550 meters from the Grand Mosque, one of the largest urban development projects in Makkah's modern history is taking shape.
Masar Destination reaches more than 3.7 million square meters, representing an investment of approximately SAR 63 billion, and is being developed by Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction.
At the heart of the project is a transformative concept: completely separating walker movement from vehicle traffic through a fully shaded walkway extending from the Haramain High Speed Railway Station directly to the Grand Mosque.
Under the surface, an extensive underground infrastructure has been developed, including around 40,000 parking spaces and four dedicated access routes to the Haram: underground passages, shuttle buses, walker walkways, and vehicle lanes.
The development also features international hotels, residential and hospitality units, healthcare facilities, commercial centers, and the King Abdullah Mosque at its core.
In January 2026, the project was awarded "LEED Gold Certification" for sustainable community development, with full completion expected by 2039.
Masar's impact on religious tourism is multiplied.
From an operational perspective, it significantly reduces travel time to the Grand Mosque while providing a safer, more comfortable, and climate protected environment that directly enhances the pilgrim experience.
Strategically, the project aligns with three key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030: the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Quality of Life Program, and the Digital Economy agenda.
So, Masar is more than a real estate development, it represents a complete reimagining of Makkah's western gateway and the visitor economy surrounding it.
Projects of this scale are transforming Hajj and Umrah from challenging seasonal journeys into a sustainable, year round religious tourism experience.
