KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) unit MRCB International Sdn Bhd has entered into a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company to explore a mixed-use development in Mecca with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of about 21 billion Saudi riyal (RM22.86 billion).
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, MRCB said the proposed transport-oriented development would be located within King Salman Gate, a master development project by RUA AlHaram AlMakki, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Bernama reported.
The proposed project would feature an integrated development comprising a public bus terminal alongside residential, hospitality, commercial and retail components.
MRCB said the collaboration would focus on establishing a framework covering the project’s development, funding and execution, combining RUA AlHaram AlMakki’s vision for King Salman Gate with MRCB’s experience in delivering large-scale mixed-use and transport-oriented developments.
“A key focus of the partnership will be MRCB’s experience in transit-oriented development and integrated transport hubs, including KL Sentral, Malaysia’s largest integrated transport hub and an example of its approach to combining transport connectivity with wider urban uses.
“Beyond the physical infrastructure, the partnership will explore how transport and supporting services can enable more seamless journeys, improve accessibility and ease of movement as well as contribute to an enhanced overall experience for pilgrims and visitors to Mecca,” it added.
The announcement came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had received a courtesy visit from PIF Governor Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan and his delegation on Monday.
Anwar said PIF, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds with assets under management exceeding US$900 billion, plays a key role in driving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 while creating opportunities for international partnerships.
“We exchanged views on opportunities to strengthen Malaysia–Saudi Arabia economic cooperation, particularly in the construction, infrastructure, facilities management, energy and halal economy sectors,” he said in a statement.
Anwar added that Al-Rumayyan had informed him that RUA AlHaram AlMakki, a wholly owned subsidiary of PIF, was exploring a collaboration with MRCB for a transit-oriented development in the Jabal Al Kaabah area of Mecca.
“RUA is the master developer for the King Salman Gate development in the holy city,” he said.
Anwar said the potential collaboration reflected investor confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities while creating new opportunities for Malaysian businesses and skilled workers.
“I hope more Malaysian companies can enter the market and expand cooperation in Saudi Arabia as well as participate in projects that bring benefits to the people of both countries,” he added. – September 29, 2026