RIYADH: The UN Secretary-General on Friday welcomed a $40 million contribution announced by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to support a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees emergency appeal in Gaza.
Antonio Guterres said that “at a time when the people of Gaza face the threat of looming famine, such a donation is crucial to ensuring the ability of UNRWA, which is the backbone of the humanitarian response in the occupied Palestinian territory, to continue operating and providing services to the people of Gaza in their time of need,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.
UNRWA confirmed that the donation will provide food for more than 250,000 people and tents for 20,000 families in Gaza.
A UN spokesman said that the donation was an important step toward ensuring the well-being of the people of Gaza, SPA said.
Guterres also called on Israel to ensure full and unrestricted access to humanitarian supplies to all parts of Gaza.
UN chief welcomes Saudi Arabia’s $40m contribution to UNRWA
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UN chief welcomes Saudi Arabia’s $40m contribution to UNRWA
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, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and community
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.
