Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious expansion project near the Grand Mosque in Mecca, named ‘King Salman Gate’ in honor of the reigning monarch. Officially launched on Wednesday, the project spans an impressive 12 million square meters and aims to enhance the spiritual and logistical experience for pilgrims. The development will feature residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural facilities, with capacity for approximately 900,000 indoor and outdoor prayer spaces. Renderings and a video released by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) depict towering skyscrapers overlooking the Grand Mosque, with pilgrims praying towards the Kaaba from various vantage points. The project, developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Co., a subsidiary of the PIF, is expected to generate over 300,000 jobs over the next decade, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. While the project’s cost and construction timeline remain undisclosed, it underscores Riyadh’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in Mecca and Medina. The expansion aims to accommodate over 30 million foreign pilgrims annually by 2030, leveraging the cities’ religious significance for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. However, the project may face criticism due to the scale of the new buildings, reminiscent of the controversial Royal Clock Tower, which has been criticized for overshadowing the Kaaba and its opulent amenities. Despite potential backlash, Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize development in its holy cities, ensuring they remain central to global Islamic tourism.