Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal emphasized that the project should go beyond the construction of buildings, giving greater importance to hospitality to be extended to the guests of God.

“This is a unique project envisioned by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Makkah has never seen such a project before,” said Prince Khaled, adding that it is designed to facilitate the life and movement of pilgrims in the city.

“Awareness programs will be carried out to encourage Makkawis to provide pilgrims with Islamic hospitality, involving men, women and children of the city,” he said.

“This is the project of Saudi man. If we succeed in implementing it as planned, it would help us provide integrated services, covering reception, housing, food, transportation, health and security,” the governor said and urged officials to complete the project in a professional manner. He said studies should be completed by the beginning of next year to start implementing the project.

Prince Khaled presided over a meeting of the Makkah & Mashair Development Authority (MMDA) and reviewed the plans for the development of Makkah and increase space in the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa to accommodate more pilgrims.

The new Makkah development project, which is named after King Abdullah, will bring about comprehensive and harmonious development of the city, the governor said, adding that it would make pilgrims’ stay in the city much comfortable.

He said the first phase of the project would be completed within four years with the completion of the latest expansion of the Grand Mosque.

Four ring roads will also be completed to ease traffic in the city, while some underdeveloped districts will be developed during this period.

“It is a great honor for Saudi Arabia and its people to host the millions of pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah every year. It is also a big responsibility and trust. We have to shoulder this responsibility with utmost sincerity. The world is looking at us as a symbol of Islam and we should rise up to these expectations. We should represent Islam in the best form upholding its lofty moral values,” the prince said.