Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, unveiled a plan to plant trees in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The proposal to plant trees at the courtyards of the Grand Mosque comes in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, seeking to provide the quality of life to pilgrims and worshipers, he said.

Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasized the need to conform to sustainable development plans and strategies in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The move aims to reduce temperatures and pollution rates, improve the air quality, and transform the courtyards to be ecofriendly, through decorations and shades, in line with the climatic conditions of the region.

The presidency chief explained that the proposal to afforest the Grand Mosque’s courtyards seeks to improve the quality of life, and thus enriching the experience of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, in addition to preserving natural resources through reusing water for ablution for irrigation purposes.

“The proposal requires scientific, technical, and operational studies so as to ensure it does not affect the areas set for prayer or movement of worshipers,” he said.