Saudi Gazette report

DAMMAM - Prince Saud Bin Naif, emir of the Eastern Province, on Tuesday laid the foundation stone to develop the central area of Awamiya governorate in Qatif.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Saud said that the massive project reflects the keenness of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to see every part of the Kingdom enjoy the fruits of development.

He said that the project will be completed within a year. The emir congratulated the people of Awamiya, saying this project is part of a number of development projects to be implemented in the region.

Fahd Al-Jubeir, mayor of the Eastern Province, said the project, located in the center of Qatif region, will be cover an area of 180,000 square meters and will house several landmark buildings to offer services in the fields of culture and tourism to the people and visitors of Qatif.

The project includes towers, a traditional souk, and a cultural center.

Al-Jubeir said the souk will have seven buildings of various sizes while the cultural center will have three buildings and a giant shaded area to accommodate an exhibition center, a conference hall and a library.

The project also consists of recreational facilities, playgrounds for children, walkways, and water springs.

The authorities have embarked on a vigorous plan to develop the neighborhoods like Al-Mosouwarah, which were hitherto a haven of terrorists and criminal gangs, in Awamiya.