RIYADH: The inauguration of the new Taif projects by King Salman is a great event that reflects his attentiveness to the country’s development and proof that all Saudi provinces are in his heart, Prince Sultan bin Salman, the president and chairman of the board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), said.
“The inauguration of these tourism and development projects in Taif are just for starters,” Prince Sultan said, adding that “more will be accomplished in this city which has a rich cultural heritage and unique tourist attractions.”
In a press statement, Prince Sultan explained that Taif’s cultural richness, along with its history and bright future were the reasons why it won the attention of the king, who is always keen on increasing efforts to restore the city’s splendor, its status as a tourist attraction and its contribution to the national economy.
“These projects will contribute to the development of Taif’s economy and tourism,” Prince Sultan said, “alongside other major projects, such as the development of the city’s historic center, Souk Okaz City, the New Taif and Taif International Airport.”
He described Souq Okaz City as the first complete tourist attraction in the Kingdom and the region. “The SCTH has recently finalized this project’s main plan.”
He said: “This city includes cultural centers, museums, recreational areas, a conference center and a city for receiving those who have come for Hajj and Umrah, as well as portfolios for investors to execute more than 18 complementary projects.”
“Taif is receiving the support and attention of King Salman, as well as the devotion of the Makkah governor and the hospitality and great efforts of the people of Taif, and this will result in the city’s economic prosperity and the creation of more job opportunities for its citizens.”
New Taif projects reflect King Salman’s attentiveness to country’s development: Prince Sultan
New Taif projects reflect King Salman’s attentiveness to country’s development: Prince Sultan
‘Cake not hate’ campaign becomes ‘Dates not hate’ in Madinah
- Dan said he was very impressed by Saudi hospitality and that his family was warmly welcomed
- He said being in Madinah exposed him to the true diversity of Islam
LONDON: A British autistic and non-verbal boy who has been visiting UK mosques and distributing cakes to promote solidarity amid an increase in far-right support in the country has taken his message of love to Madinah.
Joshua Harris, or “The Joshie-Man” as the 12-year-old is known to his social media fans, has handed out hundreds of his baked goods to worshipers at mosques in major British cities over the last few months.
The “Cake not hate” campaign came about after an Islamophobic attack on a mosque in his home city of Peterborough in October 2025.
Harris and his father visited Masjid Darassalaam, the mosque that was targeted, with cakes that the boy had baked and distributed them to the congregation soon after the attack. Since then, Harris has visited dozens of mosques in the UK.
On a recent trip to the Middle East, he and his father visited Madinah. In a local twist that pays tribute to the holy city’s famous date varieties including ajwa and ambar, Harris handed out dates to people in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque. The “Cake not hate” campaign became “Dates not hate” for Saudi Arabia.
“He was greeted really, really warmly. There were some really touching moments where people were kissing his hands and his head. It was really lovely,” his father, Dan Harris, said.
Dan, the founder of global charity Neurodiversity in Business, said being in Madinah exposed him to the true diversity of Islam.
“We met people from all around the world. It was amazing. It’s like the United Nations there, you get people from different countries and it just goes to show you that the Muslim community, or the Ummah more generally, is not a homogeneous group,” he said.
“We saw people from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and it was really interesting for us.”
Dan said his visit to Madinah, considered the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah for Muslims, was “profound and life-changing.”
He added: “I would say it’s my favourite city in the world due to the peace and tranquillity I felt there.”
Dan added that he was very impressed by Saudi hospitality: “Everywhere we went, people were taking down my number and insisting that we come for dinner, insisting they pick us up from the location. They were extremely attentive to Joshie as well, making sure his needs were met. We felt a great sense of welcome, something Saudi Arabia is known for.”
