UQU's President Dr. Bakry bin Maatouq Assas has been apprised of a digital photo atlas that depicts the history of Makkah and the holy sites from the 6th Hijri century until the first half of the 15th century. The maps and photos was collected and published in this atlas by Dr. Meraj Mirza, Dr. Abdullah Shawoosh and Mr. Mohamed Meraj Mirza. It was acclaimed by Dr. Assas who showed admiration for the introductory notes given about the history of Makkah and the holy sites over the past centuries.

He praised the digital version as 'internationally-standardized' product that was made by academic experts. Dr. Assas made the remarks Tuesday, Ramadan 9 in a meeting during which to receive a copy of the new atlas.

In the same context, University Vice-President for Business & Innovation Dr. Nabil bin Abdul Qader Koshak said he was impressed by the digital version of the maps. "The UQU is proud to have such knowledge product which depicts the history of Makkah," Dr. Koshak said. Also, he described the digitalized maps as 'perceptible' participation in documenting a chapter of the history of Makkah and the holy sites from the angels of time, place and people.

At the same meeting, Dr. Meraj Mirza said the project was accomplished by the team after keen support from the UQU's Persident and Vice-President for Business & Innovation.

The new version provides an essential addition - the Quick Response code (QR Code) - which can link so many images together with the satellite imagery stores where a code can identify old sites of specific buildings, Dr. Mirza told the meeting.

"In addition, it stores images and photos in internationally shared archives, libraries and museums which can be simply accessed from smart phones using several applications."