The development of the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah features prominently in Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision plan, and remains a focus for the government because of the importance they hold for the country, religiously, culturally, and economically.

Two new hotels – Millennium Makkah Al Naseem and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem – have opened their doors in Makkah’s Al Naseem district to meet the rapidly increasing demand for rooms and luxury stays in religious tourism within the holy city.

Saudi Arabia’s 450-km Haramain High-Speed Railway between the cities of Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) finally started full-fledged operations recently, welcoming passengers during Eid.