Saudi Arabia has approved plans to develop metro networks in Makkah and Jeddah. A project worth 62 billion Saudi Riyal to develop a metro and bus network in Makkah was cleared on August 14. It includes four metro lines covering a distance of 182 km with 88 stations. It will supplement the existing Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah line which carries Haj pilgrims. Construction is expected to be completed in 10 years.

The holy city receives more than 6 million pilgrims and other visitors a year, putting great pressure on its road network. In Jeddah the route of the first phase of a planned metro link has been approved. The first phase would link the King Abdulaziz International Airport with the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Central Al-Ruwais and Al-Khozam.