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Madinah authority restores historic holy sites

Madinah authority restores historic holy sites

Arab News5 days ago
RIYADH: Projects to preserve and restore important religious and historic sites in Madinah have brought a growing number of visitors to the area.
The work by the Madinah Region Development Authority includes ongoing restoration of the Battle of the Trench site and surrounding areas, where followers of the Prophet Muhammad dug a deep trench to fortify themselves against attack in 627 C.E.
A place that holds deep religious and historical significance for Muslims, the redevelopment includes restoring several mosques and other significant sites.
The authority is also redeveloping the Miqat of Dhu Al-Hulaifah, where the Prophet Muhammed entered the ritual state of Ihram before performing the Umrah pilgrimage. The initiative is focused on expanding the mosque's facilities and improving services.
Over the past year, several Madinah landmarks have been enhanced with modern amenities and new guide services using digital technologies. Other upgrades include the installation of pedestrian facilities around the city's central area and near the Prophet's Mosque, such as electric vehicle access and a pedestrian path to Quba Mosque, and landscaping and public amenities.
The Rua Al-Madinah Project is a major development featuring an extensive tunnel network and numerous luxury hotels which will contribute to the target of increasing the holy city's hospitality capacity to 30 million visitors by 2030.
The Al-Matal Project, another new initiative, features integrated tourist and recreational facilities built into the mountainside of the Al-Jamawat neighborhood.
The schemes will enrich the Madinah visitor experience, a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030.
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