Madinah ready to become 'Capital of Islamic Tourism'

Madinah is witnessing a flurry of activities in preparation for hosting the most important event at the beginning of the next year, "Madinah, the capital of Islamic Tourism 2017".

Madinah was selected for the honor at the end of a meeting held by tourism ministers of the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Dec. 23, 2015, in the Niger capital of Niamey.
Madinah is home to more than 200 sites and tourist places, including historical buildings and archaeological sites of religious importance, such as the Prophet's Mosque and mosques from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as well as historic buildings such as Urwah ibn Zubayr Palace, Castle of Quba and the Hejaz Railway Museum.
Specialized committees were formed to decide on the activities. They are still working to develop ideas to be implemented on the ground.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) announced Thursday that it will launch a program on Monday to look after the historic mosques, together with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and Al-Turath Charity Foundation.
Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTNH, and Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman are supporting the program. The governor has approved the plan for "Madinah, the Capital of Islamic Tourism 2017".
The SCTNH said that the aim of the program, which will be launched next week at Sultana Palace, is to preserve, restore and rehabilitate the historic mosques in the Kingdom.
Local media reported that more than 300 events will be held at over 40 destinations, presenting interesting and attractive cultural and tourist programs.
The activities were planned by the supreme committee and they are expected to enable people to get acquainted with Islamic and tourist sites in the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The activities are also aimed at presenting cultural and archaeological treasures, and highlight religious landmarks through cultural programs.
They will also shed light on Madinah through cultural activities that will continue throughout the year to justify the choice of Madinah for this title.
Madinah will be the "Capital of Islamic Tourism" for 2017. The Iranian city of Tabriz will be bestowed the honor in 2018, as per the decision of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Cities that vied for the title for 2017 were Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Tabriz and Yazd (Iran), Taiping (Malaysia), Sylhet (Bangladesh) and Mardin (Turkey).