RIYADH: Souq Okaz in Taif will soon become an integrated tourist destination offering unique experiences to citizens and expatriates, said the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
Rapid development of tourist sites will be carried out via public and private sector partnerships in the Kingdom, said the SCTH director of tourism destinations, Osama Al-Khalowi.
The government has allocated SR775 million ($206.7 million) for the first phase, of which SR220 million will be allocated for SCTH projects and SR555 million for developing infrastructure, he added.
The private sector’s contribution will be SR1.3 billion. Total investments in the first phase will reach over SR2 billion.
The project comes under the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020, he said, adding that the souq is undergoing archaeological studies and excavations after an initial survey revealed the area’s richness in important monuments.
Under the NTP 2020, one of the most important initiatives is tourism development, with a program that has designated the Fursan islands, Souq Okaz, Al-Ula city and Ras Al-Abyad beach in Madinah as tourist destinations.
SCTH President Prince Sultan bin Salman previously said the commission’s initiative to develop the souq is being carried out in coordination with Makkah governorate, Taif municipality, and its partners in the public and private sectors.
He said this is “based on the historical importance of this souq as an… old Arab market abuzz with economic and cultural activities, and most importantly, it was visited by the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) before his honored mission.”
Taif's Souq Okaz festival to become integrated tourist destination in KSA
Taif's Souq Okaz festival to become integrated tourist destination in KSA
Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress
- Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services
JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.
The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.
Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.
They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.
At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.
He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.
Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”
Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.
Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.
Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”
Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”
Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”
Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.
“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.
