Makkah is being transformed into one of the world's most modern cities as a result of the many multi-billion riyal projects underway, said Dr. Osama Al-Bar, Mayor of Makkah. Al-Bar said that a number of projects are close to completion, including the additions to the Grand Mosque and two tunnels for pedestrians from Al-Hujun to the Grand Mosque. The Jabal Omar Project is expected to be completed in the near future and would provide accommodation for pilgrims close to the Grand Mosque. Many pilgrims have to rent accommodation far away from the Grand Mosque at present, making it difficult for them to attend the five daily prayers, said Al-Bar. Other mega projects underway are the SR23 billion Makkah metro that will provide public train transport for the entire city. There are also extensions being made to Ring Roads two, three and four, costing SR200 million. A total of SR800 million is being spent on building 4,000 houses for citizens in the Umm Al-Jood area. In addition, SR100 billion will be spent on upgrading various residential neighborhoods. A total of SR12 billion of this amount will come from the private sector. The Bawwaba mega project, west of Makkah, will see 34 districts set up over an area of 80 million square meters. Tenders will be issued for this project. Projects already completed include the two new floors of the Masa'a – where pilgrims perform the ritual of moving between the mounts of Al-Safa and Al-Marwa. In addition, the train service for pilgrims at the Holy Sites has been operational for the past two years, said Al
