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.



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Call on Countries to Join Two-State Solution Global Coalition

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Call on Countries to Join Two-State Solution Global Coalition

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its call on countries to join the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was launched by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee and led by the Kingdom in collaboration with the European Union and Norway.

The cabinet underscored its solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people in overcoming the humanitarian impact of the Israeli war against them.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet hailed the outcome of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit that was held in Riyadh on Monday, which it said will help in strengthening joint action and continuing cooperation with the international community to stop the war on the Gaza Strip to achieve security and stability in the region.

It welcomed the document of the tripartite mechanism to support Palestine signed between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League and African Union Commission.

Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the cabinet on the letters Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received from Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani.

He also briefed them on his telephone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and US President-elect Donald Trump, during which he highlighted the Kingdom's keenness to strengthening historical and strategic relations between their countries.

The cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's contributions and initiatives aimed at boosting the effectiveness and speed of international multilateral action in addressing current and future challenges. These efforts are intended to respond to urgent global issues while promoting development and prosperity and strengthening common cultural and social ties.

The cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's emphasis, at recent international meetings, on boosting cooperation with world countries, strengthening coordination in various fields, and endeavoring to continue its humanitarian and development assistance to countries and peoples affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

Moreover, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to fostering cultural communication between diverse cultures worldwide. It expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the "Arab Week at UNESCO" initiative, launched by the Kingdom at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris, France.

The cabinet praised the Crown Prince's support for national talent, which enables them to become leaders in various fields, out of the belief that individuals are the core and foundation of development. One such talent is the Saudi medical team, which was received by Crown Prince Mohammed after having performed the world's first robotic heart transplant.

The cabinet also lauded the outcome of the 10th Biban24 Forum, held in Riyadh; agreements worth SAR35.4 billion were signed to support entrepreneurship in various sectors and to achieve one of the national goals, which is to increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the GDP.