Makkah’s Hira Cultural District exhibit enhances pilgrim experience
The exhibition aims to acquaint the public with the diverse range of services provided by the Saudi government to pilgrims
Updated 04 July 2023
Arab News
MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is taking part in the Hira Cultural District exhibition in Makkah. It has established a pavilion to highlight the advancements and improvements in the services provided at the Two Holy Mosques.
Furthermore, the presidency is showcasing advanced technology and contemporary facilities designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience for visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.
The exhibition aims to acquaint the public with the diverse range of services provided by the Saudi government to pilgrims.
The presidency’s exhibits include various items such as the tools utilized for washing the Kaaba, a documentary showcasing the process of knitting the Kaaba’s clothing, and a digital corner with an interactive screen displaying essential applications that cater to the needs of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Grand Mosque.
Located close to the Cave of Hira in the Makkah mountains, the Hira Cultural District is under the supervision of the Royal Commission for the Holy City of Makkah and the Holy Sites. This district holds great cultural significance and is recognized as a prominent landmark.
The project contributes to enriching the religious and cultural experiences of pilgrims and Makkah residents, one of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
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.
