Indonesia to Begin Construction of Major Hajj Village in Makkah in December 2026 New Development Project Aims to Improve Accommodation and Services for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA – November 4, 2026 Indonesia is preparing to begin construction of a major Hajj Village project in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in December 2026, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen accommodation and support services for Muslim pilgrims. The project is being developed through Indonesia’s state investment organisation, Danantara Indonesia, which has acquired a 4.4-hectare plot of land in the Thakher district of Makkah. According to a statement reported by Indonesia’s ANTARA news agency on November 3, Danantara Chief Executive Officer Rosan Roeslani said architects are expected to present a comprehensive development plan before the planned groundbreaking in December. The initiative is intended to create an integrated hospitality and service ecosystem for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visiting Islam’s holiest city. 4.4 Hectares of Land Acquired in Makkah Danantara Indonesia confirmed that its investment subsidiary, PT Danantara Investment Management, completed the acquisition of approximately 4.4 hectares of land in the Thakher district on October 18, 2026. The acquisition represents an important stage in Indonesia’s long-term investment strategy in Saudi Arabia. The location is intended to support the expansion of accommodation facilities and other services for pilgrims. The proposed development is expected to include hospitality facilities, retail spaces and supporting infrastructure as part of a broader integrated complex. Existing Hotel with 1,461 Rooms The Hajj Village development is connected to Danantara’s earlier acquisition of the Novotel Thakher Makkah hotel. The hotel, which contains 1,461 rooms and suites, was handed over to Danantara on August 11, 2026. By combining an operating hotel with newly acquired land, Indonesia aims to develop a larger hospitality platform serving pilgrims from Indonesia and potentially other countries. The project is expected to expand in phases rather than being completed as a single construction stage. Construction Expected to Begin in December 2026 Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani said the company had briefed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about the project's progress during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Architects are expected to visit Indonesia to present the comprehensive development plan. The proposed groundbreaking or construction commencement is scheduled for December 2026. However, the project still requires the relevant feasibility studies, approvals and permitting documentation to be prepared and submitted according to the development stages. Therefore, the December date represents the planned start of construction, not a confirmed completion date for the entire Hajj Village. Why Is Indonesia Investing in Makkah? Indonesia is home to one of the world's largest Muslim populations and sends a substantial number of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia every year. Providing suitable accommodation, transport connections and supporting services is an important part of improving the pilgrimage experience. The Hajj Village initiative aims to strengthen Indonesia's long-term presence in the hospitality sector around Makkah. Its broader objectives include: - Expanding accommodation capacity for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. - Improving access to supporting services. - Developing retail and hospitality facilities. - Strengthening the Indonesian presence in Makkah's hospitality sector. - Supporting closer economic cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The project also reflects Indonesia's interest in developing a more integrated system for serving its citizens travelling for religious purposes. Partnership with Saudi Development Companies The development will be carried out in phases with the involvement of Al-Khomasiah, a Saudi development partner that helped facilitate the land transaction and supports Danantara's investment activities in the Kingdom. Danantara's investment strategy is intended to combine existing hospitality assets with future property development. The collaboration also reflects growing economic ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in tourism, hospitality and services connected to religious travel. What Could This Mean for International Pilgrims? Although the project is primarily designed to serve Indonesian pilgrims, its wider development could have implications for the hospitality market in Makkah. Additional accommodation and supporting facilities may contribute to the city's growing capacity to receive international visitors. However, the extent to which pilgrims from other countries will be able to use the facilities will depend on the project's final operating model and commercial arrangements. The development should therefore be viewed as an emerging investment initiative rather than an already operational pilgrimage facility. Part of a Wider Indonesia–Saudi Arabia Partnership Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have maintained longstanding cooperation through religious, economic and diplomatic relations. Danantara has also indicated interest in exploring further investment opportunities in Madinah and other strategic sectors beyond property. The Hajj Village project could become an important part of this broader relationship, combining Indonesia's investment capacity with Saudi Arabia's expanding hospitality and religious tourism infrastructure. Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism and pilgrimage sectors under its wider economic diversification strategy, including Vision 2030. What Happens Next? The next major stage will involve the presentation of the architectural development plan and preparation for the planned December 2026 groundbreaking. The project's progress will depend on construction arrangements, regulatory approvals, feasibility assessments and coordination with the relevant Saudi authorities. Further details about the facilities, construction schedule, investment value and expected completion date have not yet been fully established in the available announcements. Conclusion Indonesia's planned Hajj Village in Makkah represents a major investment initiative aimed at improving accommodation and services for Muslim pilgrims. With 4.4 hectares of newly acquired land and an existing hotel containing 1,461 rooms, Danantara is laying the groundwork for a larger hospitality development in the holy city. If implemented successfully, the project could strengthen Indonesia's long-term role in Makkah's hospitality sector and contribute to improved services for future Hajj and Umrah visitors. Islam Global News – Islamic World Desk Editorial Note: This report is based on information published by Indonesia's ANTARA news agency on November 3, 2026, and earlier reports concerning Danantara's land acquisition. Construction is planned to begin in December 2026; the project should not be described as completed or operational.