The Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites (RCMC) has reached a pivotal milestone in its regional development strategy. Salehh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the RCMC, announced on Thursday the completion of executive studies for the Makkah International Airport, a project engineered to world-class standards while ensuring strategic synergy with existing regional aviation hubs.
A new model for economic sustainability
The project has secured the necessary strategic and economic approvals, clearing the path for a phased implementation. Diverging from traditional state-funded models, the airport will be developed through an integrated investment framework in partnership with the private sector. This approach is designed to optimize operational efficiency and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, positioning the airport as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure.
Multimodal connectivity: The Makkah Metro
Complementing the aviation strategy, Al-Rasheed confirmed that preliminary studies for the highly anticipated Makkah Metro have been finalized. The transit project is slated for public tender following the completion of final regulatory procedures. Together, the airport and metro systems represent a dual-pillar initiative aimed at modernizing Makkah’s transport ecosystem to accommodate the rapid growth in pilgrim numbers and residents alike.
