Makkah to be made most advanced city in the world
Posted by Arab News
Galal Fakkar | Arab News
Tuesday 5 January 2010


JEDDAH: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has emphasized the importance of making Makkah one of the most beautiful, clean, civilized and advanced cities in the world.

Launching the first competition for the beautification of Makkah at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Jeddah, he said the Saudi leadership was keen to make Makkah one of the most developed and beautiful cities in the world.

A number of artists, consuls general, businessmen, government officials and media persons attended the ceremony organized by the Makkah municipality.

“The development strategy for Makkah has been at the heart of the Kingdom’s Five-Year Development Plans,” the prince said. “If Makkah had not been here, this region would not have attained such an important cultural and political position in the world,” he added. He said all development proposals and initiatives for Makkah’s development came from the vicinity of the Holy Kaaba.

“We are honored to serve the House of God and we have a responsibility to develop Makkah and ensure that peace and security prevail there for the welfare of pilgrims who come from different parts of the world,” he said.

He commended the efforts of those, including artists and businessmen who have taken the initiative for the beautification of Makkah.

Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar said the preparation for the first Islamic competition for the beautification of Makkah had taken two years to make a plan, taking into account Makkah’s preeminent position in the Islamic world.

He said the municipality intended to ensure the participation of a large number of artists from Arab and Islamic countries in the competition, adding that it would be publicized in the international media.

Spelling out the main objectives of the competition, Al-Bar said it primarily aimed at the beautification of Makkah by converting its corners into museums of Islamic artwork.

“It also offers a good opportunity for Muslim artists around the world to display their skills and standards,” the mayor said.

He said the competition also aims at spreading art by depicting Makkah’s heritage in artworks. It will help to exchange the participants’ expertise.

Prizes worth $300,000 will be given to the winners, said artist Taha Sabban, a member of the contest’s preparatory committee. The art works will be displayed at 12 locations in the city.

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