Al-Farsi said 442 artists from 22 countries participated with 306 art works of which 152 were discarded. He said the winners will be announced on Sept. 27 and will received prizes totaling $300,000.

Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal launched the competition in Jeddah Wednesday evening and said Saudi Arabia has a responsibility to present Makkah as a model of beauty and development.

He said Saudi leaders were determined to to make Makkah one of the cleanest and most developed cities in the world.

"Had it not been for Makkah, the region would not have occupied this high civilized, political and cultural position," he said. "We are responsible for serving the Grand Mosque and making Makkah a safe haven for pilgrims and visitors."

Prince Khaled Al-Faisal asked private companies and businessmen to support the first international competition to beautify Makkah. The competition, under the slogan: "In Love of Makkah We Gather" was being organized by the Makkah municipality. The winning art works will be erected in various parts of the holy city to represent an art gallery.

Mayor of Makkah Osama Al-Bar, the general supervisor of the competition, told Arab News that the wall paintings will be placed in areas which will not be demolished for the expansion of the holy city in the foreseeable future.

"The corners of Makkah will be made into a museum for Islamic art to tell the story of the Islamic heritage of the holy city," he said adding that the competition will provide an opportunity for the painters to exchange expertise.