The Makkah Mayoralty will host a contest for the best decorated car on the occasion of the 83rd Saudi National Day. This is the first time such an event is held by governorates in the Kingdom.

Usamah Al-Baz, mayor of Makkah, told Arab News that the objective of the contest is “to take cultivate youth and divert their attention from commonplace practices such as blocking roads to dance in the streets,” he said.

“We look at this event as an opportunity for our young men to redirect their energy toward more productive activities. There will be more than 100 vehicles participating in the contest, which is an exclusive event for our Makkah youngsters. It will be supervised by the Governorate of Makkah and organized by the Makkah Traffic Department, together with the Special Forces. The procession will proceed from Az Zaydi station on the Jeddah-Makkah highway after Asr prayer. The vehicles will pass through the major streets in Makkah,” he said.

“It will be a magnificent sight. There will be prizes of SR15,000, SR10,000 and SR5,000 for the three best cars. In addition, contestants will receive a letter of thanks and a memento,” he added.

Col. Salman Al Jumai’e, director of the Makkah Traffic Department, said that more than 50 patrols will participate in the procession, which will ensure that there will be no traffic in the streets at the time of the procession. “I am really glad that the governorate is organizing an event that will cultivate our youth to engage in more useful activities instead of raking up traffic violations,” he said. Khalid Al-Utaibi, a 28-year-old Makkan who will participate in the contest for the first time, said he was truly happy that such an event will be taking place.

“I could hardly contain my joy. I have a Lexus 2012 and did all the decorating myself.”



I took suggestions from my friends to put the Kingdom’s flags in various sizes and colors. I will also put up a picture of our beloved king. Even if I fail to win, I consider myself honored just to be able to take part in the contest. I am eagerly looking forward to it,” he said.