Hira Cultural District is a cultural and tourist landmark in the city of Makkah al-Mukarramah. It is located at the foot of Mount Hira, which is a popular destination for visitors to the Grand Mosque throughout the year. The district is adjacent to the road parallel to King Faisal Road, which connects Makkah al-Mukarramah and Taif, serving as a main artery for those entering or leaving Makkah.
Supervising entities of Hira Cultural District
Hira Cultural District is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in collaboration with the Emirate of Makkah Province, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of the Holy Capital, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Authority for Awqaf.
Inauguration of Hira Cultural District
On January 29, 2023, the Hira Cultural District project was inaugurated at the foot of Mount Hira in Makkah al-Mukarramah. This project aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of the residents, pilgrims, and Umrah performers in Makkah al-Mukarramah, as part of the Vision 2030 targets.
Objectives of Hira Cultural District project
The Hira Cultural District project aims to develop the site in a manner befitting its historical significance and the status of the Kingdom, as well as its care for the holy sites and historical locations and their visitors. The project seeks to harness the natural offerings and historical value of the location, aligning with the significance of Makkah al-Mukarramah and its religious, human, and historical dimensions. Additionally, the project aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers in an authentic and meaningful way, while adding developmental elements that provide additional value to the site, serving Makkah al-Mukarramah residents and visitors.
Components of the Hira Cultural District project
The Hira Cultural District project spans an area of over 67,000 m². It includes the Visitor Center, which introduces the site's components, its historical and geographical significance, available services, and how to utilize them. Additionally, the Revelation Exhibition showcases the story of the divine revelation to the prophets, culminating with the final messenger.
The exhibition dedicates a wing to the story of the divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH), his biography, and aspects related to the revelation event. It highlights the role of Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) in this event, through a technological display that takes visitors on an enriching audio-visual journey. The project also includes the Museum of the Holy Quran, a specialized museum dedicated to the Holy Quran. The museum aims to introduce the Quran, emphasize its universal significance, and showcase the ways it has been celebrated and cared for. It demonstrates the impact of the Quran on the lives of Muslims through a variety of modern technologies, unique artifacts, and a collection of rare Quranic manuscripts.
Hira Cultural District also includes the Cultural Library, which focuses on the history and information of Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. It also emphasizes the biography and noble characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Additionally, the library highlights the history and events related to Mount Hira, the cave, and the surrounding area through books, scholarly references, diverse exhibits, and modern technologies. The project also includes the Hira Garden, which features areas for relaxation and leisure, including seating pavilions for enjoying the garden. The project also includes mountain cabins, each consisting of a hotel suite with its services, a balcony overlooking Mount Hira, an upper terrace for relaxation, and a private garden.
The project features a variety of commercial facilities, including restaurants and cafes that offer dishes inspired by the identity of Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Kingdom, as well as international cuisine. Visitors can also purchase gifts and souvenirs that reflect the unique identity of the place. The project includes the Saudi Coffee Museum, where visitors can enjoy Saudi coffee and learn about the cultural diversity in its tools, ingredients, and preparation methods across different provinces of the Kingdom. Visitors can climb up to Hira Cave using a paved path that begins at the project site at the base of the mountain. This will be the only route leading to the cave, and it will be equipped with informational signs, rest areas, and safety measures.
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