They have applied to participate in the first Islamic competition for the beautification of the city. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal is sponsoring the event, called “In the Love of Makkah We Meet.” Competition Supervisor Osama Al-Bar, who is also the Makkah mayor, said applications have been received from artists and painters based in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Algeria, Oman and Iraq. He expressed delight at the number of applications received.

“The main objective of the competition is to spread a culture of art that highlights the Islamic heritage of Makkah, the capital of Islamic culture,” Al-Bar said.

He added that the competition is open to Muslim painters and sculptors from all over the world who are able to share expertise and make the holy city more beautiful by transforming it into an open Islamic art museum.

The mayor said the competition represents an opportunity for talented artists to present their fine work.

“The competition will open a window for the painting world to deliver international works of art that demonstrate Islamic concepts. The winning pieces will give residents and visitors of Makkah an opportunity to see refined art in the holy city,” he said. The themes of the artwork should focus on the environment of Makkah, its architecture, handicraft, Islamic legacies and calligraphy among others.