Prince Khaled made this comment while opening a workshop on project follow-up here yesterday. He noted the governorate’s efforts to involve citizens in the province’s development by setting up a volunteer association of Makkah youths.

“We have formed a youth committee to participate in Makkah Provincial Council meetings and give their inputs,” the governor said. “We have also started organizing a Makkah youth forum with the participation of young men and women in the region.”

He also spoke about the success of district community centers. There are 21 such centers in Jeddah and 17 in Makkah. He disclosed plans to establish a leadership-training center, adding that contracts have been signed with specialized international organizations to set up the center to train efficient administrators.

He highlighted the fast progress achieved by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. “It has no match in the Arab world,” he said.

The Kingdom’s development projects have covered all sectors. “We have to make use of every riyal in the national budget and every minute of our time to boost progress,” he added.

The prince spoke about the governorate’s experience in following up projects. “We have tried to make use of all regulations by activating them.” The governorate had worked out a strategic development plan for the province with the support of a 120-member working team including academics, businesswomen and youths. “We have reached a clear vision. We know now what are our objectives and what must be done to achieve those objectives and its timeframe,” Prince Khaled told the officials. He emphasized that all development projects in the Makkah province should start from the Holy Kaaba. “Without Kaaba there is no value for Makkah or Jeddah and the whole region,” he pointed out.

Prince Khaled said the governorate would focus on building man while developing the place. “We also want to achieve balanced growth for the region and we have selected projects aimed at achieving qualitative and quantitative development of the region.”

He said he had requested the Interior Ministry to restructure the governorate. As part of this