MAKKAH — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, inaugurated on Sunday the Hira Cultural District, located at the foot of Mount Hira in Makkah. The project was implemented by an investment company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. Upon arrival at the venue of the ceremony, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the official opening of the project. Then, he toured the 'Revelation Gallery,' which includes an exhibition on the Holy Qur'an. He also visited the hall, which simulates the Hira Cave, and that included a model of the cave, executed with its natural proportions. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and several other dignitaries attended the event. Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, spoke on the occasion. It is noteworthy that the Hira Cultural District is a tourist and cultural landmark that speaks volumes about Saudi Arabia's care for historical sites. It is associated with Mount Hira and Cave Hira, where the first verses of the Holy Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and it enjoys a revered place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. The landmark includes an exhibition that takes the visitor on a journey of knowledge to get acquainted with the cave and this is supported with the latest audio and video technologies. The visitor enjoys watching the cave of Hira through a model of the cave executed in its natural dimensions. Work is underway to implement a road equipped with sign boards and safety means to meet the need of those who wish to climb the mountain to visit the cave. The district seeks to be a suitable place for the family with all its members, as its content is not limited to adults only; rather, a hall was allocated for children as it enables them to have entertainment and knowledge simultaneously. In addition, visitors can enjoy Hira Park where there are several cafes, restaurants, and other service and commercial facilities. It is noteworthy that this is the first phase of the Hira Cultural District project, which is supervised by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in cooperation with the Makkah Emirate, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Makkah Mayoralty, the Pilgrims Service Program and the General Authority of Endowments. The project aims to develop the site in a manner befitting its historical status, as well as the status of Saudi Arabia, and its care for the sacred sites and historical sites. This is in addition to investing the natural gifts of the place and its historical value, in line with the status of Makkah, and its religious, human, and historical dimensions, and contributing to enriching the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers The project is located on an area covering more than 67,000 square meters, and it consists of an Exhibition of Revelations that tells the story of the Revelations to the prophets, all the way to the Last Messenger of God. It will take viewers on an enriching audio-visual journey. It also includes a Museum of the Holy Qur'an, which is the first museum specializing in the Holy Book in Makkah.
