Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

A copy for the holy Quran is displayed in the Egypt's Museum of Islamic Art after reopening to the public in Cairo, Egypt January 19, 2017. (Reuters)
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Updated 06 March 2025
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Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

  • Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage
  • The museum is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the holy Qur’an

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.

Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.

It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.

Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.

Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.

The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.

The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.

 


10 new trains to expand Saudi Arabia’s northern rail network 

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10 new trains to expand Saudi Arabia’s northern rail network 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways announced a tender for the supply of 10 new passenger trains for the northern network as part of efforts to develop the transport system and enhance passenger rail services across the Kingdom. 

The move aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the objectives of Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. 

The tender covers the design, manufacturing, and supply of the trains, as well as fleet maintenance services, supporting operational readiness and long-term asset sustainability. 

Bids must be submitted by May 11, 2026, in accordance with approved regulatory procedures for public tenders, the SPA added. 

Saudi Arabia Railways CEO Bashar Al-Malik said expanding the passenger train fleet is a strategic priority. The new trains will help meet growing passenger demand by nearly tripling the operational capacity of the northern network, raising annual seating to more than 2.4 million, and strengthening the railway’s ability to support intercity travel growth. 

The trains will serve the northern network, which connects major cities including Riyadh, Al-Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Jouf, and Al-Qurayyat. 

Plans are underway to expand the network further, including the addition of new stations such as Al-Zulfi, the SPA reported. 

The tender is part of Saudi Arabia Railways’ phased plan to modernize and expand its passenger fleet. The company is also manufacturing 10 new trains for the eastern line, aiming to improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and overall passenger transport services nationwide.