Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel, chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, has reaffirmed commitment to accomplish the vision set by Manafea Forum in terms of investing the sacred status of Makkah and Madinah in the Islamic world to turn them into centers of attraction for business activities and a platform for knowledge and creativity.

He said this while addressing the first edition of the Manafea Forum, which was held under the patronage of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and in the presence of Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Badr bin Sultan at the headquarters of the Makkah chamber.

Prince Badr and Yasser Abu Ateeq, CEO of Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Company — the owner and developer of the Masar Destination — were honored on the occasion.

A documentary about the Manafea Forum was screened. The film highlighted the investment status of the two holy cities, bringing together experts, specialists and decision-makers under one roof, as well as efforts to realize the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Program. The need to empower the private sector and open more investment opportunities to raise the gross domestic product (GDP) of the two holy cities was also addressed.

On his part, Muneer Muhammad Nasser bin Saad, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Madinah chamber, said the Manafea Forum aimed to support the promising partnership between the government and private sectors by providing more investment opportunities that will contribute to raising the GDP of the cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The holy cities also play a major role in supporting the “Made in Saudi Arabia Program” aimed at stimulating national industries through “Made in Makkah” and “Made in Madinah” as industrial brands, to enrich the experience of the guests of God and enhance the penetration of national products to markets in various parts of the world.

The forum was organized by Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the sponsorship of Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Company.