Makkah to become 'world’s most beautiful city'

Saudi Arabia aims to turn the holy city of Makkah into the most beautiful city in the world within a 20-year development plan that was launched two years ago, the Prince of Makkah region was quoted as saying on Monday.

“We will be answerable to God the Almighty if we do not work to turn the holy city of Makkah into the world’s most beautiful city,” Prince Khaled Al Faisal told local businessmen and investors during a meeting on Sunday.

“We can do so because the present conditions are helpful, especially the complete support from our leadership and the financial boom enjoyed by the kingdom,” he said in remarks published by Saudi newspapers.

Faisal said Saudi Arabia, the world’s oil powerhouse, is pushing ahead with a 20-year strategy launched two years ago to develop Makkah, the destination of millions of Muslims who come for the annual pilgrimage.

He said the strategy includes a comprehensive road and construction blueprint designed to beautify the city and surrounding areas and facilitate the movement of passengers, mainly during the peak pilgrimage season.

“We should have the best road and transport network that suits the most sacred spot on earth… because it is the most sacred place, we should work hard to make it the most beautiful city in the world,” Faisal said.

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