Speaking to reporters after an inspection tour of municipal facilities in the holy city, he said: “The decision is not final. We’ll review it without affecting the residents of these buildings.”

Prince Mansour said the decision does not apply to new residential districts in south Makkah. However, he pointed out that real estate owners should make sure the availability of utility services before constructing extra floors.

“Consent should also be obtained from neighbors before building additional floors as they may raise objections,” the minister said. He promised that the ministry would study the issue and take an appropriate decision without harming the rights or interests of citizens.

Prince Mansour said his ministry has allocated more than 115 locations to the Housing Ministry to build low-cost housing units in various parts of the country. “We have also developed a number of plots for distribution among citizens,” he added.

The minister emphasized the growing private sector role in implementing municipal projects. Speaking about compensation for lands appropriated for government projects, he said it would be calculated by a committee considering the legitimate right of owners. Citizens will have the right to appeal against low pricing.

Prince Mansour highlighted the important position of Makkah. “Although we have carried out so many projects in Makkah we still feel that they are not enough. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has announced recently that billions of riyals have been allocated for new projects in the holy city,” he pointed out.