Makkah revamp project unveiled

Plans to make the holy city of Makkah one of the most beautiful cities in the world have been unveiled.

Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said the proposals for the city would "protect its cultural identity".

“The development of Makkah should be an exceptional one considering its unique position,” he added in comments published by Arab News on Tuesday.

The governor was speaking to a UN team involved in preparing a comprehensive development plan for Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.

Prince Khaled briefed the UN officials on the development plan for Makkah including quality of buildings, transport links, and application of modern technology in the service of pilgrims coming for hajj and umrah, the paper reported.

“The development plan for Makkah should be different from that of any other city and should protect its cultural identity,” the governor told the paper.

The UN team will review the development plan for Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, which is being prepared by a Canadian consultancy firm with the support of Saudi experts.

Prince Khaled described the plan to develop the underdeveloped residential districts in Makkah and Jeddah as one of the kingdom’s largest projects.

“It’s not just making housing plans, rather it is a comprehensive humanitarian, social, cultural, health, educational and security project,” he said.

The project will change the shape of underdeveloped districts, which will have new shopping centres, hospitals, schools and housing complexes.

Prince Khaled said the private sector would have a greater role in carrying out development projects in the province.

“We expect no less than 40 percent participation from the private sector,” he told the paper.