Fahd Al-Menaee

Saudi Gazette

 

Makkah’s economy has grown by 30 percent thanks to the huge development projects being implemented in the central area near the Grand Mosque and the holy sites, said a statistical report issued by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.



The development projects implemented by the government over the past four years have led to continual growth in the real estate sector and attracted many foreign investors to Makkah, the report said.



The Kingdom is celebrating its 82nd National Day. Since King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, came to the throne in 2005, development projects have increased rapidly, especially in Makkah, according to the report.



The five-level Jamarat Bridge was one of the gigantic projects implemented in the holy sites.



Another project is the development of the Al-Shamiya district near the Grand Mosque.



The project aims to expand the courtyards of the Grand Mosque to accommodate a large number of worshippers and visitors.

It also seeks to reduce traffic congestion on the roads leading to the Grand Mosque and allows pedestrian roads where motorists are banned.



The Jabal Omar Project is another huge project being implemented in Makkah. It aims to develop real estate property overlooking the Grand Mosque.



The Jabal Khandamah project is also being implemented on a mountain overlooking the western side of the Grand Mosque.



King Abdullah’s expansion included adding more courtyards to the northern side of the Grand Mosque and digging tunnels for pedestrians.



Over 1,000 properties have been expropriated for this project, which will increase the capacity of the Grand Mosque. The Al-Jamarat project cost SR4.2 billion and did not have any economic returns.



The project seeks to reduce overcrowding when pilgrims go to throw stones at the three pillars symbolizing Satan.



The Al-Mashaer Train links Makkah with the holy sites and cost SR6.7 billion. Its implementation started in 2009 and the contractor responsible for the project was the Chinese Railway Company. Economic experts said the economic development led by the King will catapult the Kingdom to the forefront of advanced countries and attract local and overseas investments.



Talal Mirza, chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “On this day, we should remember those who sacrificed their lives for this country and its unification. It is our duty to remember the great leader and founder of this country.”



The Kingdom is witnessing an unprecedented economic boom under King Abdullah, who has exerted painstaking efforts to help this country attract world’s largest investors, Mirza added.



Dr. Mazin Tunsi, deputy chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said every Saudi is proud and happy on this day as it reminds them of the late King Abdul Aziz, founder of this noble country.



Eighty-one years have passed since King Abdul Aziz laid strong foundations for security and stability in the Kingdom and unified all its people, he added.



All the Kingdom’s regions and cities are witnessing huge development projects, especially Makkah, he noted.



Global economic conferences were held here and attended by senior economic experts from all over the world. They testified that the Kingdom can be at the forefront of advanced countries.



Hisham Al-Sayed, representative of the Saudi Council of Chambers and member of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “King Abdullah is not only a sagacious statesman but also a great leader with many qualities. He has played a pivotal role in uniting the ranks of Arabs and Muslims. The balanced development that is being carried on in the Kingdom is due to him.”



Ehab Mashat, another member of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said during the reign of King Abdullah the number of universities has increased.



Today, there are universities all over the Kingdom’s regions. The government also built education cities of global standards. The largest of these is located in Riyadh — Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University.



Also, the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology was built during the King’s reign. Many economic cities such as King Abdullah Economic City in Rabegh, Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Musaad Economic City in Hail, Jazan Economic City, Knowledge Economic City in Madinah and King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh are constructed.



Saad Al-Qurashi, member of the Makkah Chamber, said many economic and development projects have been carried out thanks to the efforts of the country under the leadership of King Abdullah.



Many development projects were completed and are still being implemented to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers and make them feel at ease when they perform their religious duties.



Saud Al-Saadi, member of the Makkah Chamber, said King Abdullah’s project for Makkah’s development demonstrated clearly the great efforts exerted by the government.



The project suggests solutions to deal with unplanned districts and find alternative accommodation for those living in these districts.

Maher Jamal, member of the Makkah Chamber, said the gigantic development projects being implemented in the central area near the Grand Mosque are a great example of the attention the government gives to developing this country.



Waleed Iskandar, member of Makkah Chamber, said the latest statistics showed that during the time of King Abdullah, the Kingdom started witnessing an economic boom and many economic and development projects are being implemented to help the country compete with advanced nations.