Enriching the cultural experience of pilgrims: Makkah offers 25 sites
The Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites, in cooperation with Umm Al-Qura University, reviewed pioneering plans aimed at enriching the cultural experience of pilgrims and developing the services provided to them. This came during a joint academic meeting organized by the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Makkah History Studies, where it was revealed that 25 historical and archaeological sites will be made available for direct visits, giving pilgrims and Umrah performers a unique opportunity to explore the rich Islamic heritage and deepen their emotional connection to the holy sites.
The historical depth of Mecca and its timeless message
Mecca, the birthplace of revelation and the Qibla of Muslims, boasts a rich Islamic history spanning centuries. Caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their surrounding sites has always been a top priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current efforts to document and develop historical sites are part of an ongoing commitment to preserving this human and Islamic heritage. The documentation of 48 historical and archaeological sites, and the opening of 25 of them to direct visits, represents a significant shift in how Islamic history is presented to future generations. The journey is no longer limited to performing rituals; it encompasses a comprehensive intellectual and cultural exploration of the Prophet's biography and the rich history of Islam.
Developmental dimensions and global impact that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The significance of these projects extends beyond the local level, impacting both regionally and internationally. Locally, these initiatives contribute to revitalizing cultural tourism and providing new job opportunities for Saudi youth in the fields of tour guiding and heritage site management. Regionally and internationally, strengthening the cultural infrastructure solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading destination in the Islamic world and presents a distinguished model in crowd management and the development of tourism and religious services. The fact that these sites have received more than 10 million visitors, with a 94% satisfaction rate, reflects the remarkable success in meeting the expectations of visitors from around the world and reinforces the Kingdom's positive image as the foremost custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Sustainable projects that contribute to enriching the cultural experience of pilgrims
Engineer Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites, affirmed that serving pilgrims and Umrah performers is a deeply rooted historical tradition that is constantly renewed through a comprehensive system of planning and development. In this context, efforts are not limited to the cultural aspect alone, but also include improving the quality of life and the environment in the Holy Sites. The operational plans for the 1447 AH Hajj season aim to increase the green cover to approximately 60,000 trees and expand the area of rest areas to over 36,000 square meters, while simultaneously increasing the capacity of health facilities to 400 beds, thus ensuring a healthy, comfortable, and sustainable environment for visitors.
Academic integration to enhance service efficiency
For his part, the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Dr. Maadi Al-Mathhab, emphasized the university's commitment to harnessing its full scientific, research, and consulting capabilities to support the Hajj and Umrah system. This academic approach ensures effective integration between executive and research bodies, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of services provided to both residents and visitors of Makkah, and guaranteeing the sustainability of development projects according to the highest international standards.
