‘King Salman Gate’ — a 12m sq. meter mixed-use development — to be built in Makkah

The Grand Mosque in Makkah. Shutterstock
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Updated 15 October 2025
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‘King Salman Gate’ — a 12m sq. meter mixed-use development — to be built in Makkah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Makkah is set to witness a new major mixed-use destination spanning 12 million sq. meters adjacent to the Grand Mosque.

Announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, “King Salman Gate” will be developed by Public Investment Fund-owned firm Rua AlHaram AlMakki Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The project aims to create a qualitative leap in the development of Makkah’s infrastructure, particularly its central area, to establish a new global benchmark for urban development, the press release added.

“The King Salman Gate project is characterized by a strategic location next to the Grand Mosque, and is a multi-use destination that aims primarily to improve the system of services provided, and provide residential, cultural and service facilities surrounding the Grand Mosque,” SPA said.

It will also add a significant capacity to accommodate approximately 900,000 worshippers across its indoor prayer halls and outdoor courtyards.

The project will be connected to public transportation to facilitate access to the Holy Mosque, and aims to preserve the historical and cultural legacy of Makkah by developing and rehabilitating nearly 19,000 sq. meters of cultural and heritage areas.

It will also contribute to the economic diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by creating over 300,000 jobs by 2036.


JLL to invest in PIF-backed FMTECH to boost Saudi facilities management sector

Updated 15 December 2025
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JLL to invest in PIF-backed FMTECH to boost Saudi facilities management sector

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced on Monday that US-based real estate services firm JLL will acquire a significant stake in Saudi Facility Management Co., known as FMTECH, a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund.

In a press release, PIF said it will retain a majority ownership in FMTECH following the transaction.

Saad Alkroud, head of local real estate investment at PIF, said facilities management plays a central role in the Kingdom’s real estate and infrastructure ecosystem and is a key pillar of the fund’s local real estate strategy.

He noted that the strategy supports economic transformation and diversification, promotes urban innovation, and enhances quality of life.

“JLL’s investment will further accelerate FMTECH’s development and unlock new growth opportunities that will benefit the wider facilities management sector,” Alkroud said.

FMTECH was launched by PIF in 2023 as a national integrated facilities management company, providing services to PIF portfolio firms as well as public- and private-sector clients across Saudi Arabia.

The investment enables JLL to broaden its service offering in the Kingdom while deepening its existing partnership with PIF.

Neil Murray, CEO of real estate management services at JLL, said the investment brings together JLL’s global operational expertise and technology-driven facilities management capabilities with FMTECH’s deep understanding of the local market.

“By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver high-quality, efficient services to clients in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding facilities management market,” Murray said.

FMTECH is expected to leverage JLL’s international network and operational experience to develop new commercial opportunities while supporting the localization of expertise and advanced technologies.

According to the press release, the company will integrate JLL’s digital facilities management platforms and global operating systems, significantly enhancing service quality, efficiency, and transparency across its operations.

The transaction aligns with PIF’s broader strategy to attract domestic and international private-sector investment into its portfolio companies, helping unlock their full potential while advancing the Kingdom’s economic transformation agenda and generating sustainable long-term returns.