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

The General Transport Center, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has signed agreements for the "Wasel Al-Haram" project covering parking, stations, and transport corridors in central Makkah and the wider city. The deals, worth a total of 5.664 billion riyals (SAR), were made in partnership with the private sector to develop the transport system and improve access to the central area and the Grand Mosque.

The agreements, signed during the opening of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition, involve three investment groups. The first and third groups were signed with the Al-Qaed, Moventis, and Waskita consortium, while the second group was signed with the Mawqif consortium. All agreements follow a public-private partnership model, with full private sector financing.

The "Wasel Al-Haram" project includes 19 stations and parking facilities across seven corridors, covering a total area of 3.1 million square meters, and will operate 3,200 buses. The three groups are expected to serve up to 205 million passengers annually, enhancing transport efficiency and streamlining movement to and from the central area.

The project will use an advanced system to measure service quality and operational efficiency, featuring 46 performance indicators. These cover bus operations, real estate management, and smart systems, aiming to boost service reliability and improve user experience.

Economically, the project is expected to contribute between 11 and 12 billion riyals to GDP and create 2,800 to 3,000 local jobs during the investment period, which will last between seven and ten years.

Strategically, "Wasel Al-Haram" will directly benefit visitors to the Grand Mosque by upgrading stations to the highest standards, providing modern commercial facilities and integrated digital systems, and operating shuttle bus services.

The project will also establish a specialized center to train Saudi nationals in transport, hospitality, retail, and logistics, supporting greater local participation in operating the transport system and related services.

Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said the signing of the "Wasel Al-Haram" agreements marks an important phase in developing Makkah’s transport system. He emphasized the integration of infrastructure, operational services, and long-term investment, leveraging private sector capabilities to enhance asset efficiency, service quality, and sustainability.

Al-Rashid added that Makkah’s unique status and the constant flow of visitors to the Grand Mosque place significant responsibility on the transport system, requiring not just capacity but also effective organization, reliable service, and sound resource management. He noted that the project is part of a strategic plan to boost the city’s efficiency, meet the needs of residents and visitors, and establish impactful, sustainable investment partnerships.