JEDDAH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the King Abdul Aziz Museum (Darat), presided over the first meeting of the Makkah History Center's constituent council here on Friday night.

Fahd Al-Samari, secretary-general of Darat, said that attendees at the meeting decided that the center's activities should cover both Makkah and Madinah, and that the Madinah Research Center should be merged with the Makkah center, which would now be known as the History Center of Makkah and Madinah.

The center will focus on collecting historical information related to Makkah and Madinah, including books, manuscripts, studies, documents, pictures, maps and anecdotes and films.

"It would also work to disseminate information on the two holy cities, support researchers who conduct studies on them, organize scientific seminars and exhibitions, and publish periodicals," Al-Samari told the Saudi Press Agency.

A gateway of information on Makkah and Madinah will be set up on the Internet in different languages to serve researchers and others who want to know more about the two holy cities. "We'll also cooperate with similar institutions and research centers," he added.

Apart from the board of directors, the center will host a library and departments that will oversee administration, research, the publishing of periodicals, translation and publication of literature, conferences and public relations. A special committee has also been formed to supervise its activities.

The meeting also discussed ways to finance the center's activities through an endowment, Al-Samari said. It will also receive contributions from individuals, institutions and businesses.

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh, Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Saleh Al-Hosain, Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari and Haj Minister Fouad Farsy also attended the meeting.