"Makkah and Madinah News and Updates"

[elszADaQ]

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@ebray

Fantastic photos. Where did you find them? The International Space Station? Do they have more such photos of Makkah and Madinah? Let alone KSA and the Arab world?
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Tnx, I found them on twitter after some guy retweeted Anton Shkaplerov, a Russian cosmonaut aboard the ISS who snapped those images and posted it on his page. He regularly posts amazing images of Earth on his Twitter feed. Check out his account here: Anton Shkaplerov (@AntonAstrey) | Twitter

 

[al-Hasani]

Instagram here are some of their pics

I

Tnx, I found them on twitter after some guy retweeted Anton Shkaplerov, a Russian cosmonaut aboard the ISS who snapped those images and posted it on his page. He regularly posts amazing images of Earth on his Twitter feed. Check out his account here: Anton Shkaplerov (@AntonAstrey) | Twitter

Thank you for the share brothers. Stunning photos indeed.

Expansion work ongoing

 

[al-Hasani]

Expansion work ongoing

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[al-Hasani]

First trial train arrives in Jeddah

Thursday, 29 January 2015

MADINAH — The first trains to be launched on the tracks by Madinah railway station were set in motion to Jeddah on Tuesday, Al-Madina reported.

Many passersby showed their excitement over the new train carriages by taking photos and videos.

A spokesman from the new development stated that the number of the carriages that arrived at Jeddah Islamic Port have reached 14 so far.

The technical team is working on launching the first trial of carts before the grand opening.

He also added that the stations in Makkah, Jeddah, Rabigh and Madinah are 90 percent completed.

So far, the route distance takes up about 450 km.

The project represents a major innovative development in the country that aims to facilitate fast transportation between the Makkah and Madinah regions.

First trial train arrives in Jeddah | Kingdom | Saudi Gazette

Opening of Madinah Airport

29 January 2015

On behalf of Tibah Airports Operations Co., We are pleased to invite all the residence of Madinah (Saudis & Expats) to register and participate in the unique experience of the Trial Opening of Madinah Airport.

The main purpose of this event is to give residents of Madinah an opportunity to be a part of a lifetime event of the experimental opening of Madinah New Airport and show their support for such wonderful facility.
This will be a good chance to show your love & commitment towards your city & community by participating and actively testing the new Madinah Airport. The success of this event depends heavily on the quality of participation and their active interaction.

All the participants will be highly appreciated with an official certificate from Tibah Airports Operations Co. and their participation will be highlighted in the social media.
Be part of this lifetime event in Madinah Airport & share your experience & feedback with your friends & give us your instant feedback on the new airport.

Candidates will be selected based on certain criteria & the targeted number for the trial opening event & will be notified by email to attend at the designated timing by the airport authority for briefing & testing the new airport.

If you are interested in joining this mega event, please post a comment or drop us a message on Madinah Airport Facebook page mentioning your name, gender, age & email address.

We look forward to welcoming you at the new Madinah Airport.

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In memory of the late Jordanian fighter pilot and martyr Moaz al-Kasasbeh who fought against Daesh scum and khawarij heretics. May Allah (swt) forgive his sins.

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون​

 

[Nirkoty]

I'm not here for trolling but I get very uncomfortable when I see these dozens of billions being spent to make the masjid bigger and more beautiful.
Do we really need that ? Sure since more and more pilgrims come some changes need to be made but from the images I've seen it really look too big in my opinion. It actually reminds me of a hadith in which the prophet (sws) said that a sign of the time is that mosques will be beautiful but the heart of the people will be ugly. Isn't it a desease in the heart to spend so much money on these projects when some people through all the world can't even answer their basic needs?

So here's my question to people familiar with saudi society :
Is the topic discussed among Saudis, among scholars ? Are there contestations ? How are you personnaly feeling towards this topic
I thought the simplicity in which king Abdallah was buried was truly beautiful, and I find it sad that this spirit of simplicity can't be kept for building the mosques

 

[al-Hasani]

I'm not here for trolling but I get very uncomfortable when I see these dozens of billions being spent to make the masjid bigger and more beautiful.
Do we really need that ? Sure since more and more pilgrims come some changes need to be made but from the images I've seen it really look too big in my opinion. It actually reminds me of a hadith in which the prophet (sws) said that a sign of the time is that mosques will be beautiful but the heart of the people will be ugly. Isn't it a desease in the heart to spend so much money on these projects when some people through all the world can't even answer their basic needs?

So here's my question to people familiar with saudi society :
Is the topic discussed among Saudis, among scholars ? Are there contestations ? How are you personnaly feeling towards this topic
I thought the simplicity in which king Abdallah was buried was truly beautiful, and I find it sad that this spirit of simplicity can't be kept for building the mosques

"More beautiful" is a personal opinion. I don't see any extravagance as seen in for instance Najaf or Karbala.

Both Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah are ongoing expansion because the need for that is pressing. For each year there are more and more Muslims on this planet and more and more Muslims can afford to travel to Hijaz for hajj and umrah.

Let me ask you if you are aware of the great difficulty of the average Muslim outside of the GCC to travel to Makkah and Madinah for hajj or umrah? Some people wait their entire life without getting this chance due to competition.

The expansions are done for the sake of the pilgrims which should always be the priority. Not for the sake of extravagance or beauty.

Yes all of that is discussed among locals, clerics etc. There is a consensus about the need for the expansions though and most people are looking forward to it.

A burial and the two most holy places in Islam are two different things brother. Allow me to disagree with you here.

Old photo from 2008;

''Serve your religion, country, people well'' King Salman tells emirs and ministers

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman attends the ceremony where
emirs and ministers took the oath of office before him in Riyadh on Sunday.​

Monday, 02 February 2015

RIYADH — The newly appointed emirs and ministers took the oath of office before Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman here on Sunday.

Addressing them, King Salman said: “It is hoped from our ministers and emirs of regions that they will do good. They are from the roots of this country that was unified by Allah and then the late King Abdul Aziz. Thanks to Allah it is enjoying security, prosperity, stability and unity. “The Kingdom is the Qibla of Muslims and it is the cradle of revelation.

“Our loyalty is to our country and people. The late King Abdullah’s advice was to serve our citizens and religion before anything else. Thanks to Allah, this state since it was unified by King Abdul Aziz has been in security and stability. We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us success to serve our religion, country and people.” — SPA

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150202232435

In front of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques:
Princes, ministers, governors of regions, and Assistant
Speaker of Majlis Al-Shura swear an oath

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Riyadh, Rabi'II 12, 1436, February 01, 2015, SPA

In front of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and in presence of the Crown Prince and the Deputy Crown Prince; princes, ministers Cabinet's members, governors of regions, and assistant speaker of Majlis Al-Shura, who were appointed by royal orders in their posts, swore an oath at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today.

At first, they all listened to the recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran.

They included Prince Mansour bin Miteb bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State, Cabinet's Member and Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard; Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense; Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh; Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sama'ani; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Mutlab bin Abdullah Al-Nafisah; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi; Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf; Minister of Water and Electricity Engineer Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Hossein; Minister of Labor Adel bin Mohammed bin Abdul Qader Faqih; Minister of Housing Dr. Shuwaish bin Saud bin Dhuwaihi Al-Dhuwaihi; Minister of Hajj Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed bin Hamza Asaad Hajjar; Minister of Economy and Planning Dr. Mohammed bin Suleiman bin Mohammed Al-Jasser; Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member for Majlis Al-Shura Affairs Mohammed bin Faisal bin Jaber Abu Saq; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Said; Minister of Transport Engineer Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Muqbil; Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel; Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Saad bin Khalid bin Saadallah Al-Jabri; Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Mohammed bin Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh; Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Engineer Abdul Latif bin Abdul Malik bin Omar Al Al-Sheikh; Minister of Health Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib; Minister of Civil Service Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Araj; Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel bin Zaid Al-Turaifi; Minister of Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli; and Minister of Education Dr. Azzam bin Mohammed Al-Dakhil.

They swore separately saying, 'In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, I swear by Allah Almighty to be loyal to my religion, King and country, and not to divulge a secret of the State secrets, to maintain its interests and regulations, and to perform my duties sincerely, honestly and faithfully.

The princes and ministers who swore the oath shook hands with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Then, the princes, who were appointed by Royal Orders as Governors of Makkah, Riyadh and Qassim Regions, swore the oath. They included Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region; and Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim Region. Moreover, Dr. Yahya bin Abdullah Al-Samaan who was appointed by a Royal Order as Assistant Speaker of Majlis Al-Shura, swore the oath.

They swore separately saying, 'In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful, I swear by Allah Almighty to be loyal to my religion, King and country, and not to divulge a secret of the State secrets, to maintain its interests and regulations, and to perform my duties sincerely, honestly and faithfully.'

Then, they shook hands with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered a speech on this occasion, in which he expressed confidence in the ministers and governors of the regions, describing them as the roots of this country which was unified by Allah and then by the late King Abdulaziz based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. King Salman also said that the country is blessed with security, prosperity, stability and unity.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also said that Muslims travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah as the place of revelation is Makkah and Madinah. Thank to Allah Almighty, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys security and stability. Our devotion to our country and our people is a matter that we were brought up to do since the era of former kings - from the late King Abdulaziz to the late King Abdullah.

Praise be to Allah Almighty, this country has enjoyed security and stability since being unified by the late King Abdulaziz to its new era. Also, this country has been based on Islam and the Islamic faith since being founded by Mohammed bin Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques concluded.

The oath taking ceremony was attended by Prince Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman; Prince Abdul Ilah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer; Prince Khalid bin Fahd bin Khalid; Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Faisal; Prince Saud Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal; Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud; Prince Saud bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Turki bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz; Prince Khalid bin Saad bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed; Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz; Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Saud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Relations; Prince Saud bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz; Prince Talal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Badr bin Fahd bin Saad; Prince Dr. Abdulrahman bin Saud Al-Kabeer; Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thunayan, President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu; Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Musaed; Prince Faisal bin Mohammed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Sattam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd bin Saad; Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities; Prince Faisal bin Saud bin Mohammed; Prince Al-Waleed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz; Prince Dr. Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musaed, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Dr. Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; Prince Saud bin Salman bin Mohammed; Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman; and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Mohammed.

The oath taking ceremony was also attended by Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Khalid, Assistant Minister of Foreign Minister; Prince Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman, Governor of Dir'iya; Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Prince Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid, Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry for Information and Technology Affairs; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed, Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Prince Faisal bin Abdulmajeed bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region; Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mansour bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Crown Prince's Court; Prince Sultan bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan, Advisor at the Crown Prince's Court; Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz; Prince Nawaf bin Faisal bin Fahd; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz; Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Advisor at the Defense Minister's Office; Prince Bandar bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz; Prince Majed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz; Prince Saud bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Saud; Prince Bandar bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; a number of Princes; Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti and President of Senior Scholars Council Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh; a number of ministers, senior commanders and officers of the Armed Forces, Public Security, National Guard, Royal Guard; and a number of officials.

Al-Masjid Al-Haram

 

[Nirkoty]

Sure, I understand the need of expansion and I'm grateful to Saudis for the efforts they do in order to make pilgrimage possible for Muslims all over the world.

As you said the notion of more beautiful and extravagance is relative, that's why I'm surprised that all the critics I've seen about this "going a bit too far" were from outside saudi arabia.

I haven't performed hajj yet, but I'm a bit worried about the mindset. You said burring a king and building mosques were two different things but I don't think it is since it answers the same question "Are we going to do it in order to answer practical needs but also keeping close to some values, or are we going to do it in a extravagant way, for whatever reason, economic or regarding our ego"

That's why I expected the same people defending simple burials to protest against "the hour" tower or all these luxury hotels near the masjid al-haram
As I said I haven't performed hajj yet but if I do it one day (insha'Allah) I don't know how could these things affect the spiritual expérience lived during pilgrimage

 

[al-Hasani]

Makkah and Madinah are Hijazi cities and were always that. Long before Prophet Muhammad (saws) was born. Both are ancient cities. Some of the oldest out there. The locals and KSA will decide what to built and what not to built. Foreigners have no say in whether a hotel or skyscraper is going to be built. KSA knows better than anyone else how to conduct the hajj and umrah successfully.

Expanding does not equal extravagance if you ask me. It's necessary. The reasons are obvious for every sane Muslim.

Hotels are needed to host all the pilgrims and skyscrapers are not haram. Makkah aside from being the holiest city in Islam is a big city on its own. Skyscrapers and residential areas are necessary as the population of Makkah and other cities in KSA is expanding. People also want to live in newer apartments and most can afford it. It's a natural evolution as we live in the year 2015.

 

[Nirkoty]

If you read my messages I never argued whether foreigners should have a say or not concerning what is built in KSA, I was wondering about the opinions of Saudis since whether it is from twitter, the saudi gazette or other I don't see much of these opinions.
Also I never said extention equals extravagance, of course it does not. But 18 billions dollars seems huge regarding the objective

Although I have no concern about the capacity of KSA to manage the pilgrimage from a logistic perspective, putting a mall or such things just beside the mosque is in my opinion wondering regarding the objectives of hajj. Difficult to have a spiritual expérience, to detach yourself from this dounia when you have so many things attracting you
Once again I'm not saying KSA should do that or that, but I would be curious to see from amongst scholars what arguments are advanced from both sides

 

[al-Hasani]

Mataf expansion enters final phase

Thursday, 05 February 2015

The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs has announced that about 30 percent of the third and final phase of the ongoing mataf (circumambulation area) expansion in the Grand Mosque in Makkah has been completed.

Work on the final phase started about four months ago and included the demolition and reconstruction of the mosque’s southeastern portion facing Al-Safa Palace.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150205232732

Actually 30% of the work on the final phase has been completed.

وكالة الأنباء السعودية - واس

IIROSA launches Umrah trip for orphans

200 Arab orphans perform Umrah

NOBLE GESTURE: IIROSA officials pose with the group of orphans
at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.​

Friday 6 February 2015

The International Islamic Relief Organization, Saudi Arabia (IIROSA) recently arranged an Umrah trip for 200 orphans from Jordan.

Ehssan Saleh Taieb, secretary-general of IIROSA, said such trips enhance and develop positive behavior in children who have been deprived of basic physical and emotional necessities.

The secretary-general congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for taking over the reins of the country.

“I wish success to King Salman and the team he has appointed for the good of the Arab and Islamic nations, and wish him all the luck to carry out his duties well,” he said.

“IIROSA not only ensures that the orphans receive food, shelter, health and educational assistance but also tries to address their needs through a variety of cultural activities and occasional leisure trips,” he said.

Abdul Karim Al-Musa, director of the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) representative office in Jordan, said: “We don’t just take care of their physical wellbeing; these children deserve to be happy too, and IIROSA tries its best to help them to enjoy and have the fun they deserve.”

He said, “We are thankful to the sponsors for taking care of the orphans and helping to improve their living conditions.”

IIROSA launches Umrah trip for orphans | Arab News

JEDDAH — The International Islamic Relief Organization, Saudi Arabia (IIROSA), arranged an Umrah trip for 200 orphans from the Levant region (encompassing Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria) with the help of its representative office in Jordan.

The trip also included visits to Madinah, IIROSA headquarters in Jeddah, Okaz newspaper, amusement parks, cruising at Marsa Al-Ahlam and also a meeting with some of the orphans’ sponsors.

Ehssan Saleh Taieb, secretary-general of IIROSA, said such trips help develop orphans’ characters in a positive way.

He said: “IIROSA not only ensures that the orphans receive food, shelter, health and educational help, but also tries to cover the needs of orphans from all aspects through a variety of cultural activities like occasional leisure trips.”

Abdul Karim Al-Musa, director of the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) representative office in Jordan, said: “We don’t just take care of their physical well-being. Instead, these children deserve to be happy too, for which IIROSA tries its best to help them enjoy and have fun.

“We are thankful to the sponsors for the care of orphans and for helping them improve their living conditions.”

Okaz newspaper gave each of them the first edition of the paper as a memento.

All the children enjoyed the trip and had lots of fun during their stay. Discussing the death of King Abdullah, Taieb conveyed his condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the government and Saudi people.

He said: “King Abdullah made major contributions to the development of the Kingdom and we are extremely grateful for his generous humanitarian and developmental support to IIROSA. His leadership will be remembered not only throughout the Kingdom but worldwide.”

Congratulating King Salman on his accession, he said: “I wish all the success to King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and the team he appointed for the good of the Arab and Islamic nations, and wish him all the luck to carry out his duties well.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20150205232734

Arab orphans visiting Okaz headquarters in Jeddah during a trip funded
by the International Islamic Relief Organization, Saudi Arabia (IIROSA)
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Masha'Allah. Some of the best news in a long time. Very happy for them. May Allah (swt) heasten the pain of all orphans and may they all meet father figures that can guide them in their life's to the right path. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saws) himself was an orphan after all.

 

[al-Hasani]

 

[al-Hasani]

 

[al-Hasani]

General statistics of the Umrah season 1436/2014-15

Until 20 Rabi Al-Thani 1436 - 9 February 2015

Total Number of the Mutamirs:

2,028,935
______________________________________
Number expected for the whole Umrah season
6,000,000

* Mutamir/s: is/are the one who come into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
to perform Umrah rituals and visit the Prophet's (saws) Holy Mosque.

Statistics from Ministry of Hajj

9,319,097 Copies of Holy Quran distributes in one year

Riyadh, Rabi'I 29, 1436, January 20, 2015, SPA

King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah distributed 9,319,097 copies of the Holy Quran, translations of its meanings, and religious books during the period from 28/2/1435 AH until 8/3/1436 AH.

In its annual report, the Complex said that it distributed 8,620,294 copies of the Holy Quran, translations of its meanings, and religious books inside the Kingdom, and 698,803 copies outside the Kingdom.

http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=1318414

I look forward to the expansion projects being done. Large parts of Makkah are chaotic due to the expansion work and now large areas of Madinah too might experience the same.

It's needed though so no complaining.

 

[al-Hasani]

Can Makkah be transformed into a world-class metropolis?​

Monday, 16 February 2015

Makkah Emir Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who is also advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, stated that Makkah should be the most beautiful city in the world. “Makkah, Makkah and Makkah is at the top of my priority list,” he said. Such strong statements and affirmative promises if translated into action will surely transform not only Makkah but the adjoining region into modern urban areas with world-class amenities.

The ambitious implementation of such mega-projects requires a master plan and clear goals. A commitment within a time frame is also a must. Prince Khaled has already set the ball rolling; however, he has no magic wand. As an experienced official, he has a vision and is well informed about the latest developments in the more advanced cities of the world. He is well aware of the level of municipal efficiency and other related services applied in other countries, but we cannot expect much without proper cooperation and efficient implementation by government institutions and contractors undertaking projects in the city.

Transforming Makkah
The holy city of Makkah requires the support of every man and woman in order to transform it into a global city. There should be no room for negligence or incompetence. The task is itself daunting. It will not be easy to overhaul years of neglect, corruption and complacency. Prince Khaled took on the task in his first tenure as Makkah emir and he has now been given the opportunity to complete it. The public is eager to support him and hopefully his team will not disappoint him.

There is no substitute for hard work and time is of the essence. In the past, a lot of money went down the drain and much effort was in vain. We cannot allow ourselves to be embarrassed further by the abuse of power, mismanagement, poor services and substandard and mediocre projects.

Prince Khaled has outlined his vision and stated his goals clearly. Officials and the public should not ruin the momentum by indulging in lip-service commitments or producing false promises. Good governance and sound management must prevail. The emir needs capable partners who are innovative, creative and sincere. The people of Makkah region should rise to the occasion, exhibit civic sense and work hard to make the city of Makkah among the top cities of the world.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on February 15, 2015.

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Khaled Almaeena

Khaled Almaeena is a veteran Saudi journalist, commentator, businessman and the editor-at-large of the Saudi Gazette. Almaeena has held a broad range of positions in Saudi media for over thirty years, including CEO of a PR firm, Saudi Television news anchor, talk show host, radio announcer, lecturer and journalist. As a journalist, Almaeena has represented Saudi media at Arab summits in Baghdad, Morocco and elsewhere. In 1990, he was one of four journalists to cover the historic resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia. He also traveled to China as part of this diplomatic mission. Almaeena's political and social columns appear regularly in Gulf News, Asharq al-Aswat, al-Eqtisadiah, Arab News, Times of Oman, Asian Age and The China Post. He can be reached at kalmaeena@saudigazette.com.sa and followed on Twitter: @KhaledAlmaeena

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/vie...al-make-Makkah-a-world-class-metropolis-.html

Leveling of mountains ‘increases risk of tremors’ in Saudi Arabia

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An official said Mount Khandamah located to the southeast of the Grand Mosque will be leveled. (File photo: AFP)

By Saudi Gazette | Makkah
Sunday, 11 January 2015

Director General of the Urban Planning Administration in Makkah Municipality Fayiz Kansarah said the leveling of mountains increases the risks of earthquakes, especially the leveled areas are not utilized properly for development projects, Makkah daily reported.

Kansarah said the municipality has started carrying out plans for protecting the topography of Makkah including its mountainous nature, as leveling of the mountains increases the risk of earthquakes due to interference in its geomorphology and structure.

Kansarah stressed the removal of Jabal Omar was for public interest in order to carry out the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the need for flat land to construct roads and bridges.

At the same time, he said Al-Sudan and Khandamah mountains will not be leveled.

He said Mount Khandamah located to the southeast of the Grand Mosque will be leveled, planned and prepared for development without affecting the natural formation and morphology.

Kansarah said there are plans to assign contractors to deal with the highlands and mountains of Makkah according to the objectives of Makkah Municipality to protect Makkah’s nature without hindering development projects.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette on Jan. 11, 2015.

Last Update: Sunday, 11 January 2015 KSA 15:16 - GMT 12:16

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/New...ncreases-risk-of-tremors-in-Saudi-Arabia.html

New Madinah Airport (Terminal)

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A palm tree was the inspiration for the design.

 

[Gazi]

If you read my messages I never argued whether foreigners should have a say or not concerning what is built in KSA, I was wondering about the opinions of Saudis since whether it is from twitter, the saudi gazette or other I don't see much of these opinions.
Also I never said extention equals extravagance, of course it does not. But 18 billions dollars seems huge regarding the objective

Believe it or not but Makkah and Medinah is another source of Income for Saudi Arabia because Millions of People around the world pay for Accommodation during their Arrival and their Hospitality Industry had been booming for centuries as well as Trade. So it does have lot of economic Potential for Saudis if you consider it as a RELIGIOUS TOURISM. For other part of Muslim world it is like the OBLIGATION of Saudi Host to accommodate them to perform Hajj if they dont then it posses threat to their Existence.

Although I have no concern about the capacity of KSA to manage the pilgrimage from a logistic perspective, putting a mall or such things just beside the mosque is in my opinion wondering regarding the objectives of hajj. Difficult to have a spiritual expérience, to detach yourself from this dounia when you have so many things attracting you
Once again I'm not saying KSA should do that or that, but I would be curious to see from amongst scholars what arguments are advanced from both sides

That Clock Tower that you might be referring to isnt Mall instead its Hotel with Capacity to accommodate Thousands or may be Hundreds of Thousands of pilgrims and that Clock Tower alone is enough to generate Billions within an year for Saudi Govt. It does have lot of Resistance from Clerics who believe this to be sign of Judgement day or something but in the end no one denies its Necessity and in Future after few years the number of Pilgrims are likely to Increase many fold so even this development wouldnt be able to accommodate pilgrims completely.