RIYADH: A delegation led by the Saudi Arabia’s industry and agriculture ministers visited Iraq on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The delegation was headed by Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, who is minister of environment, water and agriculture. He met Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi.
Their meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations in various fields.
Al-Fadley conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his meeting with Al-Kadhimi, while the Iraqi prime minister conveyed his country’s greetings and appreciation to the king, crown prince, the Saudi government and people.
They discussed issues of common interest and concern, regional security and stability and the latest regional and international developments.
Committee meetings of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council will also be held to discuss progress on issues and activities and the most prominent achievements and agreements in the fields of politics and economics.
The visit will prepare the ground for a future meeting between the crown prince and the Iraqi prime minister.
The Saudi delegation also included Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Transport Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, Ahmed Al-Kholifey, along with companies from various sectors.
Saudi delegation visits Iraq
https://arab.news/m52f8
Saudi delegation visits Iraq
- The visit will prepare the ground for a future meeting between the crown prince and the Iraqi prime minister
- The visit is also in preparations for the upcoming 4th Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council session
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.
