The new projects include construction of a regional airport covering 57 square km, 30 km northeast of Taif, which is located 70 km southeast of Makkah and 160 km from Jeddah.

In addition to serving millions of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom annually, the new airport would play a big role in developing tourism in the province. It will reduce pressure on King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the main gateway of pilgrims.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has set up a commission for the development of Taif. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal will chair the commission’s first meeting on Wednesday to discuss development plans for the city.

Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities Prince Sultan bin Salman and Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf will attend the ministerial-level meeting.

After the meeting Prince Khaled will address a press conference to present the commission’s vision on Taif’s development and announce new projects to be implemented in the city. Prince Mansour will sign contracts for the development of Hada and Shafa in Taif.

“The commission for the development of Taif aims at achieving comprehensive development of the city, strengthening the city’s position in the economic and tourism sectors,” said Sultan Al-Dossari, spokesman of the Makkah governorate.

He said the commission would present its recommendations to higher authorities for approval. “Taif projects come in line with the governorate’s efforts to achieve balanced development in the region,” he pointed out.

Taif was the summer capital of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia. More than 2 million tourists and holidaymakers from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries visit the city every year to enjoy their vacation.