The flank of Ain Zubaydah: A historic Ramadan event in Mecca
In conjunction with the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan, Kadana, the master developer of the Holy Sites and a subsidiary of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, launched the “Khasrat Ain Zubaydah” cultural and historical event. This unique initiative comes in partnership with the Arab Countries Pilgrims’ Tawafa Company (Ashraqat) and the Heritage Commission, with the aim of reviving one of the most important historical landmarks in the Holy City and providing a unique and enriching experience for its visitors, including pilgrims and residents.
Historical background: Ain Zubayda, the lifeline for pilgrims
The Ain Zubayda is an engineering marvel and a monumental charitable project dating back over 1200 years. It was established during the Abbasid era by order of Zubayda bint Ja'far, wife of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who, during her pilgrimage to Mecca, witnessed the severe water scarcity faced by pilgrims in Mecca and the holy sites. Consequently, she commissioned this massive project, which comprised a complex network of canals, springs, and wells stretching for tens of kilometers from Wadi Nu'man to Mecca, passing through Arafat and Muzdalifah, to provide fresh water for the pilgrims. This project, considered the largest water endowment in Islamic history, marked a turning point in serving pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and safety.
A complete cultural experience in the heart of the holy sites
The event is strategically located on the road between Arafat and Muzdalifah, designed to take visitors on a journey through time. The venue is designed as a small heritage village, offering a multi-stage experience under the theme "History Told, Life Lived." Visitors can explore this magnificent historical landmark, interact with the artifacts that bear witness to the project's grandeur, and learn about its construction through interactive visual displays. Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Maajini, Chairman of the Board of Ashraqat, explained that the event was entrusted to their company due to their extensive experience of over 40 years in serving pilgrims.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The “Ain Zubaydah Corner” event gains its significance from being more than just entertainment; it aims to achieve deeper goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Locally, the event contributes to revitalizing historical sites and transforming them into attractive cultural and tourist destinations for the residents of Mecca and its visitors. Regionally and internationally, it enriches the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims from around the world, introducing them to the rich Islamic heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its historical role in serving the Two Holy Mosques. Engineer Mohammed Badghish, CEO of Ashraqat, confirmed that the site has been fully equipped to offer an exceptional experience, including areas dedicated to showcasing Islamic heritage, corners dedicated to traditional crafts, a theater presenting historical performances, a heritage market, and dedicated buses for transporting visitors, thus blending the charm of the past with the technology of the future.
