RIYADH ( WNAM MONITORING): Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has announced the development of seven locations in Makkah, as part of the Developed Districts Program.
The sites cover over 4.4 million sq. meters and will cost SR16.3 billion ($4.3 billion). They are located in the districts of Jarham, Al-Khalidiyah, Al-Hajlah, Al-Hindawiyah, and Al-Zohour, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Wednesday’s announcement was made during a signing ceremony for the award agreements of the projects, reflecting the commission’s confidence in the future of urban development in Makkah.
The commission said that several real estate developers and investment firms were carrying out the projects, including Maad International, AlRajhi United, ZOOD, Mohammad Abdulaziz Al-Habib and Sons Holding Co., and Jadwa Investment.
The initiative forms part of the commission’s efforts to improve the urban environment in Makkah, foster economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and promote sustainable development in the holy city, the SPA added.
An estimated 2.7 million people live in Makkah, a city located in the Kingdom’s Hejaz region and home to important Muslim holy sites, including the Grand Mosque. About 1.5 million Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the city, while another 16 million undertake Umrah.
