Saudi Arabia has launched healthcare projects valued at more than $266 million in Makkah, as authorities expand medical capacity in the holy city to accommodate rising pilgrim numbers and long-term visitor growth targets.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the package includes new hospitals and medical facilities to strengthen services for both residents and visitors. Among the flagship developments is the 500-bed Makkah General Hospital, which will provide surgical, cardiac, pediatric, and maternity care. A separate 100-bed Al-Lith General Hospital is planned to serve communities in the wider region.

Officials have not disclosed completion timelines. The projects form part of a broader investment in social infrastructure aligned with population growth and the continued expansion of year-round pilgrimage activity across the Makkah region.

The healthcare expansion comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to increase Umrah capacity to around 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030 under Vision 2030. This target is expected to place additional demand on healthcare, transport, and accommodation infrastructure in Makkah and Madinah. Authorities have been scaling up medical and emergency services to manage peak pilgrimage seasons while supporting broader tourism objectives.