A pioneering electric bus service began operating in Makkah this week, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transition toward sustainable and modern urban transportation.

The system, developed by Electromin in partnership with Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction, represents one of the first electric bus rapid transit networks of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The network operates on dedicated lanes and links key urban hubs through two main stations and eleven intermediate stops, offering improved capacity, reliability and efficiency compared with conventional bus services.

Designed to serve residents, visitors and pilgrims, the system is projected to carry more than one hundred and twenty-five million passengers over the next fifteen years while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than thirty-one thousand five hundred tonnes.

Senior representatives from infrastructure, energy and development partners attended the launch, highlighting the project’s role in strengthening urban mobility and supporting environmental objectives.

The service forms part of the Masar Destination development, which aims to enhance connectivity, accessibility and quality of life in one of the world’s most visited cities.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernise transport systems, diversify energy use and improve air quality, particularly during peak travel periods such as Hajj and Umrah.

By introducing a clean, efficient and scalable public transport solution, the electric bus service establishes a benchmark for sustainable mobility projects across the kingdom.