JEDDAH: Saudi-led Coalition spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said that at exactly 7:37 p.m. local time Air Defense Forces monitored the launch of a ballistic missile by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia from the Yemeni territory of Imran toward the Kingdom.
Col. Al-Maliki said that the missile was targeting the border city of Jazan and was deliberately launched to target civilian and populated areas.
“The Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces managed to intercept and destroy the rocket without suffering any casualties.
The spokesman added that “this hostile action by the terrorist group proves the Iranian regime’s continued involvement in supporting the Houthi militia with qualitative capabilities in a clear and explicit defiance of UN resolution 2216 and resolution 2231 aimed at threatening Saudi Arabia’s security and regional and international stability.”
Al-Maliki said the firing of ballistic missiles toward densely populated cities and villages is contrary to international and humanitarian law.
The total number of ballistic missiles launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia so far has reached 177 rockets.
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Houthi militia towards Jazan
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Houthi militia towards Jazan
Makkah’s urban shift enhances city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah proves that a city can honor its past while embracing the future
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is at present witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle.
By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — more than 60 percent of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35 per cent increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SR3 million ($800,269) in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities such as the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have featured a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million visitors a year. This cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18 percent.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes the soul and the community.
