Islam’s Holiest City Offers Visitors Ample History through Sites, Exhibits

Muslim pilgrims pray next to Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Makkah. AFP
Muslim pilgrims pray next to Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Makkah. AFP
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Islam’s Holiest City Offers Visitors Ample History through Sites, Exhibits

Muslim pilgrims pray next to Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Makkah. AFP
Muslim pilgrims pray next to Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Makkah. AFP

Besides being Islam’s holiest city, Makkah offers visitors a variety of historically captivating sites tied to the birth of the Islamic faith. Devout pilgrims are keen on getting to know the locations they long heard and read about in their religion up close.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lately taken an interest in opening exhibitions showcasing relics and artifacts from the first Islamic era and its successive states. Exciting exhibits are carefully structured so that the chronological precision of the historical items is preserved through the sensational modern display.

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is set to launch a trial run for a tour bus, dubbed “history bus,” to help sightseers visit the most significant landmarks in the holy city by the end of 2021.

The bus is expected to operate two-hour and six-hour tours that stop at more than 30 sites. An accompanying tour guide briefs the visitors about the spots that include Masjid Al Khaif, Ain Zubaida, Nimrah Masjid, Uranah, and several Umayyad dams.

“Through the KIDANA Development Company, the Commission implemented many projects during the Hajj season this year to enrich the experience of the pilgrims,” Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites consultant Wael Halabi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to Halabi, the projects included a “Rocks Exhibition” in Arafat and the “Mina Exhibition.”

“Three kilometers of Ain Zubaida in the Al-Khasra area between Arafat and Muzdalifah will be lit up,” Halabi revealed, adding that tour guides will be available to tell visitors Islamic historical tales at the Bay’ah Mosque region.

Moreover, in partnership and cooperation with the relevant authorities and through investment from the private sector, the Commission is working on establishing two cultural centers.

One of the centers is scheduled to open this year, while the other in 2022.



Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of 1,145 Women, 13 Men

The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of 1,145 Women, 13 Men

The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)

Kuwait issued seven new decrees on Saturday, revoking the Kuwaiti nationality of 1,145 women and 13 men, along with any individuals who may have acquired citizenship through affiliation.
The decrees, which are set to be published in the official Kuwaiti gazette on Sunday, stated that the decision followed a review of the Constitution, the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, and the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
The decrees include the revocation of Kuwaiti nationality from 1,145 women, as well as individuals who may have acquired it through affiliation.
Additionally, the citizenship of certain individuals was rescinded under Article 21 of the Nationality Law, which permits the withdrawal of nationality if it was granted based on fraud, false statements, or incorrect documentation.
Under Kuwaiti law, the cabinet, acting on a proposal from the Interior Minister, has the authority to revoke citizenship in such cases. This also applies to individuals who acquired Kuwaiti nationality through affiliation with the original certificate holder.
Last Thursday, the Supreme Committee for Citizenship Affairs convened a meeting, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who also serves as the committee's chairman.

The committee decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,647 individuals, with plans to present their cases to the Cabinet for further review.
This brings the total number of cases to 4,601 since October 31, a span of just three weeks.
The Committee began its work in early March, when Kuwaiti authorities launched a campaign to revoke citizenships for various reasons, primarily linked to fraud.
The Kuwaiti government states that the revocation of citizenship from forgers and dual nationals is intended to "preserve national identity, ensure stability, and protect the national fabric," as well as to remove the records of individuals who obtained citizenship through illegal means.