JEDDAH, 9 November 2004 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed has described Sunday’s launching by Crown Prince Abdullah of giant development projects in the holy city as an unprecedented historic event. The new projects aimed at expanding housing and prayer facilities for pilgrims would cost SR35 billion, he added.
“In every nation’s life there are certain important moments that create its history and strengthen its honor ... and we are now living in one of such historic moments,” the governor said while addressing the launching ceremony. He said the large-scale projects meant establishing a full-fledged city.
“The new projects will enhance facilities for the millions of pilgrims who come to the holy city to perform their religious rites in peace and security,” Prince Abdul Majeed said. “These projects, a big jump to the future, will serve both the present and coming generations,” he added.
Prince Abdul Majeed said the Shamiya project would include expansion of the Haram Mosque’s northern courtyard by 1.5 million square meters. “This project alone will help provide housing for more than 205,000 pilgrims and prayer area for 400,000 people. It also ensures free flow of pilgrims around the Haram,” he pointed out.
The massive projects launched by the crown prince included development of Ajyad Hospital located close to the Haram, construction of a new road parallel to the existing road linking the Haram with Jeddah-Makkah Expressway, and building of modern residential and commercial facilities in Jabal Omar, Jabal Khandama and Jabal Al-Kaaba areas around Haram. The projects are also aimed at developing disorganized areas in the central region of the holy city after removing old and dilapidated buildings.
During the launching ceremony, Prince Abdullah was shown models of development plans for the city over the next 50 years. In addition to residential and commercial buildings, the plan included roads, parks and service facilities.
Dr. Sami Barhameen, secretary-general of the Makkah Development Authority, briefed the crown prince on the new plans and projects. The total area to be developed is estimated at 587,250 square meters, with 90 percent being old buildings.
The Jabal Khandama area, which is to be developed under the new project, is located southeast of Haram. Bordered by Malawi and Shaab Aamir on the north and Jabal Bakhsh on the south, it is a hilly area. Although the area is very close to Haram, few people reside there. The Makkah Development Authority plans to establish housing facilities for 24,000 people in the area.
About 36 of 43 hectares in the Shamiya area, northwest of Haram, will be used for construction while the rest for the expansion of the mosque’s courtyard.
The authority has proposed that those who invest in projects in the area, such as hotels and residential towers, shall expand the courtyard. Saudi businessmen are expected to invest some SR3 billion to develop Shamiya.
Some 46,000 square meters will be developed in the Jabal Al-Kaaba on the northeast of Haram. Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company is planning to establish a number of hotels, commercial centers and public facilities there. The authority has already conducted a study on developing Ajyad Hospital and surrounding areas. The Public Investment Fund will carry out the hospital project after paying compensation to property owners in the area.
