UAQ Reveals Latest Progress Of Infrastructure Works At Masar

Umm Alqura for Development and Construction (UAQ), the owner and developer of the “Masar” destination in Makkah, has revealed the latest progress on the development. UAQ confirmed that work is currently underway to complete the remainder of the infrastructure phase for the project, which features King Abdulaziz Road as its core component and is being brought to life under the inspiring slogan ‘Dedicated to Makkah’.

UAQ began implementing infrastructure works after completing the preliminary stage, which included the inventory and demolition of properties in the six unplanned neighorhoods of Al Hafayer, Al Hindawiyyah, Al Tandabawy, Mansour street, Jabal Ghurab, Al Raseefa, and Al Zahareen. Prior to work commencing, property treatment procedures were finalized with the owners of around 4,000 residences in these neighborhoods.

Mr. Yasser Abuateek, CEO of UAQ, noted that Masar, with the slogan ‘Dedicated to Makkah’, will be a vital and distinguished addition to the Holy City, as it aims to become a modern landmark and an advanced cultural destination. “We are looking forward to cooperating with investors and companies in the destination, which will set new standards by establishing an integrated development structure and providing investment opportunities. Masar will play an active role in diversifying economic activity and promoting Makkah’s position as a modern developed city. In addition, it will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by increasing the number of pilgrims to 30 million by the year 2030,” Abuateek stated.

The infrastructure phase of Masar comprises several key elements, including pedestrian underpasses and service tunnels 3,650 meters long and 320 meters wide over an area of 1.25 million square meters. These will be complemented by a Bus Rapid Transit Network and the Makkah Metro, as well as car parks and bridges connecting the destination to the strategically important western entrance of Makkah. 71% of bridge works have been completed with construction progressing as planned.

Meanwhile, the pouring and building of concrete blocks for the Makkah Metro Tunnel is 99.8% completed, which represents major progress in the urban development project. The construction of Makkah Metro Station A near the Haramain Train Station has reached 96.99, which includes lines A and B as well as the Abdullah Areef Road Tunnel. Meanwhile, the infrastructure works for Makkah Metro Line B near King Abdullah Mosque have reached 85%, including construction works for the Mansour Road Tunnel. Work is progressing toward full completion as planned.

Mr. Abuateek also highlighted that the destination’s infrastructure features an underground utility gallery dedicated to electricity, communication, sewage, district cooling, and solid waste management system services. This facility extends throughout the destination to ensure all lands will be fully prepared for development by the company or investors.

During the implementation of infrastructure works, Umm Alqura for Development and Construction has devoted great attention to safety, sustainability, and the preservation of Makkah’s natural environment. The company has handled all the destination’s environmental elements with the utmost professionalism, particularly groundwater, in coordination with specialized entities such as the Saudi Geological Survey.