King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Studies on the History of Makkah at Umm Al-Qura University participated, for the first time, in the National Festival for Heritage and Culture in Al-Janadriyah 33, in the Emirate of Makkah Province Pavilion.

The Professor of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Studies on the History of Makkah, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, pointed out that participation in this festival came through the directions and support of His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail.

Dr. Al-Sharif stressed that the Chair took into consideration that its participation should be fruitful and reflective of the interest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in national history and culture. This Chair, which bears his noble name, is just an outcome of this interest and an indication of his care for history and culture.

He added that Al-Janadriyah Festival 33 is distinguished by its comprehensiveness, diversity, richness, integration and large turnout. The festival is a shining image of our cultural treasures, the country attractiveness as a tourist destination, and the ability of this sector to contribute in the national economy, promote sustainable development, and achieve the goals of the vision of 2030.

The Chair participated with a variety of publications that are represented in 21 books, historical pictures of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the sacred rituals in the past and the future, and pictures of the kings of Saudi Arabia in Makkah and at the sacred sites, which denote their care and attention of the Two Holy Mosques, their support of their people, and how they provide modern services to the visitors of these places. It is also a proof of the property development at these Islamic sanctuaries in the prosperous Saudi era. This will have a great effect on the visitors of the Chair display area as it will make them highly appreciate the efforts of the Kingdom. This will also deepen the nationalistic spirit in their souls.

A documentary video was displayed to show the status of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the kings of Saudi Arabia's care of it, and the interest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him, to the history of the Two Holy Mosques in particular and the national and Islamic history in general. The Chair's participation in the National Festival for Heritage and Culture in Al-Janadriyah 33 aims at informing visitors about the goals, programs and achievements of the Chair.

It is worth mentioning that establishing this Chair was based on article (18/20) of the bylaws of the Higher Education and Universities Council. The Chair research program and regulations was then approved by Umm Al-Qura University Council in its fifth session on 26 Jumada Al-Thani, 1431 A.H. The Chair was officially launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud when he was the Emir of Riyadh Province, on 24 Rabi` Al-Awwal, 1432 A.H.