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.



UAE Interior Ministry: Extensive Search Underway for Missing Moldovan Man

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
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UAE Interior Ministry: Extensive Search Underway for Missing Moldovan Man

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo

The UAE Ministry of Interior said on Saturday that it "received a report from the family of a Moldovan national named Zvi Kogan, stating that he had been missing and out of contact since last Thursday”.
The ministry confirmed that "relevant authorities began extensive search and investigation operations immediately upon receiving the report”, the UAE’s official news agency WAM reported Sunday.
The ministry also urged the public to obtain accurate information from official sources and not get misled by “malicious” rumors.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is "closely following the case of the missing Moldovan citizen Zvi Kogan, maintaining communication with his family, and providing all necessary support”, it added..
Majed Al Mansouri, Director of the Foreign Nationals Affairs Department at the ministry, affirmed that the Ministry is closely monitoring the case and is in close contact with his family to provide them with all means of necessary support.
He also highlighted that the Ministry is in continuous contact with the Embassy of Moldova in Abu Dhabi in this regard.