Ahmad Abdullah Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, launched here Sunday nine model district center projects in Jeddah region. He also witnessed the ceremony of the signing of five contracts to implement the projects at the governorate office. The commissioning of the projects, which are estimated to cost a total of SR56 million, was also attended by Governor of Jeddah Prince Mishal Bin Majed, Mayor of Jeddah Hani Aburas and several other senior officials and business leaders. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Khaled, who is also chairman of the Society for Model District Centers in Makkah region, emphasized that supporting the model district center projects would contribute substantially in further boosting his governorate's concept of building human potential while developing the place. “Whenever we have gone ahead with this project, we recalled the late Prince Abdul Majeed, former emir of Makkah and Madinah. This was the brainchild of the prince who had started it first in Madinah region and then took it to the Makkah region,” he said. Prince Khaled described the occasion of launching the model district center projects as a pleasant one as it makes any official in the country feel proud of his religion, rich tradition and history besides being impressed that he is living in a society that values responsibility. “Our country is living in an age of unprecedented growth, construction and prosperity under the leadership of a great king,” he said. Prince Khaled congratulated members of the branch councils for the district centers and the businessmen who came forward to sponsor the projects. “I congratulate all of you for supporting this great venture and thanking you from the bottom of my heart.” Contracts for implementing five model district centers were signed by representatives of the sponsoring companies. The Emir also witnessed announcements about the building of four model district centers in Al-Jamia and Al-Rawda districts. The announcements were made by representatives of Hassan Sharbatly Est. for Community Service, and Jeddah Holding Co. and the prominent businessman Saleh Al-Turki. Meanwhile, the Society for Model District Centers urged Saudi businessmen and women as well as social responsibility departments at major companies to extend their financial support to the remaining 11 model district centers. It has been planned to build 20 such centers in the coming five years. The project is regarded as an unprecedented community achievement with the partnership of the municipality and the private sector. Each center is designed to accommodate 6,000 city residents. Prominent businessman Suleiman Al-Khoraiji is the sponsor of the design works of the center that cater to the recreational requirements of the city dwellers, including women. The facilities at the center include external courts, swimming pools, walkways, cafes, beauty parlors, multipurpose vocational and craft training centers, table tennis and billiards courts, separate fitness centers for men and women, family counseling and training centers, playing areas for children, Internet club, e-library, first aid clinics and halls for social gathering.
