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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - MAKKAH: A district adjacent to Makkah’s famous landmark Jabal Al-Noor mountain is offering fun-packed activities during school holidays.

Making the most of the pleasant weather following recent rainfall in the holy city, visitors are flocking to various attractions at Hira Nights, hosted by Hira Cultural District.

Bustling with excitement, the place boasts restaurants, cafes and shops, where visitors can purchase souvenirs that embody the essence of the area, all while enjoying a stunning view of Mount Hira.

The revised visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. throughout this week.

The district, spanning 67,000 square meters, has something to offer for everyone and aims to offer a distinctive experience that celebrates the cultural and historical legacy of the region.  

The primary objective of the Hira Cultural District is to enhance the religious and cultural journey of Umrah pilgrims in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Serving as both a tourist attraction and a cultural landmark, the district provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors to Makkah alike.

Fawaz Al-Mehrij, CEO of Samaya Investment Co., the developer and operator of the Hira Cultural District, told Arab News that the district is keen to build bridges with Umrah pilgrims, visitors, and all segments of society.

Al-Mehrij said the district recently collaborated with the Heritage Commission, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, to organize a special event for artisans.

This event featured activities for children and families, exhibitions, a classic car show and more.

Ibrahim Obaidan, a supervisor of student activities at a high school in Makkah and a coordinator for educational trips, said the Hira Cultural District has evolved into a destination for knowledge and exploration, where young people can learn about Islamic history, among other things.

“Students gain valuable knowledge from various activities that showcase the beauty of cultural and human heritage, ultimately expanding their awareness and fostering a connection to the rich history of this remarkable nation,” he said.

According to Nawaf Al-Harbi, a gemstone craftsman, Hira Cultural District successfully brought together artisans from different backgrounds, visitors, and pilgrims.

“Craftsmen showcased their work and connected visitors with Makkah’s heritage,” he said.

“The district provided ample facilities for craftsmen to display their products, which were highly appreciated by all.”

Umrah pilgrims, Al-Harbi added, were impressed by the beauty of the work on display, making the Hira Cultural District a must-visit cultural festival for all those interested in artisanal products.