Makkah Authority undertakes over SAR 1 bln projects, says CEO

Ahmed bin Omar Al Ardi, CEO of Makkah Region Development Authority

Makkah Region Development Authority (MRDA) is monitoring the execution of over SAR 1 billion worth of outstanding projects, mostly in the infrastructure sector, CNBC Arabia reported, citing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmed bin Omar Al Ardi.

More than SAR 200 billion is expected to be invested in more projects over the coming years, leading to an increase in MRDA’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP) to above 15%.

MRDA strategy featured several qualitative initiatives that focus on the region resources, Al Ardi said, adding that the industrial and logistics division is considered a key pillar of this strategy. The logistics division also provides promising investments due to the increasing demand and the Hajj and Umrah activities.

In addition, Al Ardi indicated that 50% of the strategy initiatives are carried out via the private sector entities, while being aided by the opportunities created by the authority investment department.

The public transport project comprises 12 destinations with more than 450 buses, Al Ardi said, highlighting that the project reached an advanced stage, and trial operations for some destinations may be launched this year.