NEW YORK: The general supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, met today in New York with World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director David Beasley.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of food security, as well as overcoming the difficulties facing humanitarian work around the world. They also discussed joint programs in Yemen and Syria, in addition to the best support mechanism to mitigate suffering.
In his statement, Beasley referred to the Kingdom’s leading role in humanitarian work, adding that Saudi Arabia ranks fourth in the world in funding unbiased and neutral humanitarian work. He highlighted the strength of the partnership between WFP and KSRelief.
KSRelief chief also met with the UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock.
Lowcock praised the efforts undertaken by KSRelief, and said that he hoped that the partnership between the two sides would continue.
World Food Programme, UN official highlight Saudi relief center’s humanitarian work
World Food Programme, UN official highlight Saudi relief center’s humanitarian work
- Lowcock praised the efforts undertaken by KSRelief, and said that he hoped that the partnership between the two sides would continue
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
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.
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.
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.
