The residential complex in central Mecca will have 24,000 hotel rooms, its CEO confirmed.
In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, Yasser Abuateek, head of Umm Al Qura For Development and Construction, said that «Masar Destination» is already more than 90 percent complete in terms of infrastructure.
He spoke the day after Masar signed a $2 billion deal during the sixth edition of the FII forum to build seven towers, including 1,400 hotel rooms.
«By the time we finish, we will have 24,000 hotel rooms and 13,000 residential units,» he said.
Investment in the destination amounts to 100 billion Saudi riyals ($26.6 billion), and it will receive 158,000 visitors annually.
Pointing to transportation at the destination, Abuateek said there are various options, such as bus, walking and tunnels to the metro station.
«To complete all of this, we are looking for the best way for those who want to move from a certain point to the Holy Mosque. Walking is the number one choice, but not everyone can walk. We are still studying the experience and are going to develop a suitable solution for all people,» he said.
Regarding tourism and services, Abuateek explained that the project will include the Museum of Islamic Art.
«This will bring all the art of Islamic art, we will share it with all visitors, bringing culture and much more that can be seen in Mecca — learning about history,» he said.
Abuateek emphasized that Masar Destination sets sustainable development goals as a top priority, and Umm Al Qura For Development and Construction is working with a development vision to enhance Mecca's urban and investment landscape by creating new pathways that will help improve the quality of life for residents, pilgrims and visitors.