Hajj, the arduous pilgrimage to Mecca, in the Hejazi region of western Saudi Arabia, is one of five core practices of the Muslim faith. It’s also one of the world’s largest annual gatherings of humans, as faith-affirming as it is logistically daunting. In 2025, 1.67 million pilgrims performed Hajj, and the experience was catastrophe-free; Frequency on Haramain high‑speed trains from Jeddah Airport – one of the 10 fastest electric trains in the world – was increased 25% to some 4,800 trips; Government insistence on Hajj permits that give pilgrims access to amenities like air-conditioned tents was also key.
Hospitality around Makkah is scaling with growing international and religious tourism ambitions: Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah opened in 2024 with 1,121 rooms just steps from Al Haram, signaling luxury confidence. Half a mile north, the Thakher Makkah megaproject is growing to accommodate 30 million visitors to Hajj and Umrah – a lesser, year-round pilgrimage – including the largest Novotel in the world, a Radisson Hotel and Residences, and other flags. Retail and urban expansion includes the Masar corridor, with its grand, green 2.3 pedestrian-oriented miles, while 13 million square feet of development threads together hotels, metro stations and culture; the $719-million Masar Mall is targeting a 2026 debut.