Makkah Transport Center signs SAR 5.6bn Wasel Al-Haram project deals

The Makkah General Transport Center has inked a massive SAR 5.6 billion deal with private partners for the Wasel Al-Haram project, aimed at improving access to the Grand Mosque. The project, valued at 5.664 billion riyals, involves private-public partnerships with three investment groups, Al-Qaed, Moventis, and Waskita, and Mawqif.

These agreements, signed at the opening of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition, cover parking, stations, and transport corridors across central Makkah and the wider city. The Wasel Al-Haram project is designed to boost transport efficiency, streamlining journeys to and from the Grand Mosque, with 19 stations and 3,200 buses operating in seven corridors covering 3.1 million square meters.

The private sector will invest fully, with the system expected to handle up to 205 million passengers annually. Performance will be measured through 46 indicators covering service quality and operational efficiency. The project is projected to contribute between 11 and 12 billion riyals to the GDP and create 2,800 to 3,000 local jobs over seven to ten years.

Strategically, Wasel Al-Haram will elevate visitor experience to the Grand Mosque by upgrading stations, offering modern facilities, and implementing smart digital systems. A specialized center will train Saudi nationals in transport, hospitality, retail, and logistics, promoting local participation in the transport system. Makkah's vast influx of visitors to the Grand Mosque necessitates a robust, efficient transport system, requiring effective organization, reliable service, and sound resource management.

This project is part of a broader strategy to enhance city efficiency, meet resident and visitor needs, and establish successful, sustainable investment partnerships.