The History and Heritage of Mecca.. A Destination Reflecting Its Cultural Depth

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is moving at an accelerated pace in implementing an integrated strategy to preserve historical and archaeological sites and transform them into sustainable cultural destinations, thereby enhancing the status of Makkah as a city with a deep civilizational and human heritage, and keeping pace with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at preserving and enriching the national heritage and providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history of the Holy Capital through an integrated knowledge experience.

Statistics issued within the strategy of historical and archaeological sites reflect the scale of achievements made since its launch, as the Commission contributed to developing (28) historical sites and rehabilitating (28) others according to scientific standards that take into account preserving their historical and architectural value, ensuring their sustainability and highlighting them in a manner befitting their status.

The indicators showed that the strategy succeeded in documenting (60) historical and archaeological sites, in addition to making (27) sites available for visitation, and providing (7) visitor service centers, which contributes to improving the visitor experience and providing historical and cultural information that enhances awareness of the civilizational heritage of Makkah.

Since the start of the implementation of the strategy at the beginning of 2024, the historical and archaeological sites have recorded remarkable turnout exceeding (17.5) million visitors, while the visitor satisfaction rate reached (97.5%), reflecting the quality of services provided, the efficiency of development and operation works, and the attention to providing a rich experience that meets the aspirations of visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.

In terms of documentation and introduction of sites, the Commission implemented more than (200) introductory and promotional advertisements to highlight the historical and cultural value of these sites and enhance their presence in the cultural and tourism scene, in addition to preparing (65) development studies that contributed to drawing up plans for preserving and rehabilitating sites according to best practices.

The strategy achieved an activation rate of (100%) in implementing its planned operational targets within its approved phases, which confirms the integration of efforts among relevant parties and the effectiveness of executive programs aimed at protecting historical and archaeological sites and reviving them as living witnesses to Makkah's history spanning the ages.

These figures embody the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites’ continued alignment between preserving the historical identity of the Holy Capital and the requirements of modern development, through qualitative projects that contribute to highlighting the civilizational heritage of Makkah and providing an integrated cultural experience for its visitors, thereby enhancing its status as a global destination that combines sanctity, history, and culture, within a comprehensive development system led by the Kingdom to serve people and place.