JEDDAH, 8 November 2004 — A number of prominent Saudi businessmen have said that the new development projects launched by Crown Prince Abdullah in Makkah would enhance facilities for pilgrims and change the city’s face.
Speaking to Arab News, Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, chairman of Makkah Construction Company which is carrying out the SR12 billion Jabal Omar project, said his company has an ambitious plan to develop the central region of Makkah.
He emphasized the need to develop areas around the Haram Mosque. “At present there are some old buildings in the Jabal Omar area where it is difficult for ambulances or firefighters to reach,” he pointed out.
Abdullah Marae Bin Mahfouz, chairman of the exhibitions committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said all the projects launched by the crown prince are located in the central region. “This means they will bring about a total transformation of the area, in terms of services and facilities,” he said.
Al-Sharief Mansour Abu Rayyash said the giant projects would boost the construction and contracting sectors in the region. “They will also create 30,000 jobs,” he said.
Khaleel Bahadur, a member of the Haj and Umrah committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the projects would bring about a facelift to the city.
He said the new residential towers on Jabal Omar and Jabal Al-Kaaba would accommodate 300,000 pilgrims during peak seasons.
Abdul Aziz Al-Subaie, another businessman, said the construction of a parallel road to Haram would reduce pressure on the present road and ease traffic during Haj and Umrah seasons.
Abdullah Suleiman Al-Mashat, who has investments in hotels around Haram, said the new projects may affect prices at hotels and furnished flats during peak seasons.
