MAKKAH, 14 November 2005 — Businessman Abdul Rahman Faqeeh has requested the government to establish a permanent exhibition center in Makkah to promote commercial, industrial and agricultural cooperation among Muslim countries.
“This will open the door of goodness, benefiting the people of Makkah and surrounding areas as well as pilgrims and strengthening relations between Islamic nations,” he told a grand reception given in honor of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Makkah on Saturday night.
Faqeeh, who spoke on behalf of the people of Makkah, called upon the king to take steps to boost trade relations between Muslim countries. “Muslims must support one another and cooperate in trade, industry and agriculture in order to become a unique force in the world. Our country can play a big role in this respect,” he said.
Thousands attended the reception held in a parking lot on the Makkah-Jeddah Expressway to mark King Abdullah’s accession to the throne and pledge allegiance to the king and Crown Prince Sultan.
Apart from folklore dances, the event included recitation of poetry by three Makkah poets, laser shows, screening of a documentary film on the history and development of Makkah and an opera focusing on the Holy City.
King Abdullah arrived at 9.30 p.m. on Saturday and was received by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, senior officials and prominent citizens of the city. A group of children presented the king with bouquets.
Tarek Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, chairman of the organizing committee, told Arab News that a large number of people from different parts of Makkah and its suburbs had turned up to welcome the king and pledge allegiance to him.
In her speech representing the women of Makkah, Rabab Saleh Jamal said they were honored by the king’s presence at the reception. She called for solving the problems facing women in the country with an Islamic and pragmatic outlook, without being too rigid or too open. She also requested the king to allocate a day to meet with women, following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
King Abdullah later toured a heritage exhibition staged on the sidelines of the reception, featuring models of old Makkah markets displaying samples of Makkah food, coffee, handicrafts, perfumes, beads, weapons and potteries. He also chatted with many people who came to greet him.
