Dr. Thoraya Obaid, former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations
Dr. Thoraya Obaid was the first Saudi woman to receive a government scholarship to study in the US
She had served as executive director of the United Nations Population Fund
Updated 30 March 2019
Arab News
From a young age, Dr. Thoraya Obaid took adversity in stride. In 1951 she was sent to the American College for Girls in Cairo, as education in the Kingdom, at that time, was limited for girls. But that didn’t stop her excelling in studies, and being noticed in her home country.
She became the first Saudi woman to receive a government scholarship to continue her studies in the US in 1963, earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Mills College, Oakland in 1966, and her master’s from Wayne State University, Detroit in 1968. From there she completed her education with a doctorate in 1974.
In 1975, Obaid started working for the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). She served as head of social affairs at ESCWA until 1993, when she became the deputy executive secretary.
She also served as a member of the League of Arab States in 1984, serving for a year formulating its social development strategy.
With 25 years of experience at the UN, she was well-respected at all levels of the UN, and her influence and success in pushing for female empowerment pushed former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to make her head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2001, where she worked until 2010.
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
Updated 08 February 2026
Arab News
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound 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 — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% 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 its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)
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 SAR 3 million 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 like 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 seen 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.
City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
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 annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
