Riyadh: Hudaibiya, the historic location near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) concluded a peace treaty with the unbelievers (Quraish) in 628, will become a major centre for cultural dialogue, said Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal. The project will be named the King Abdullah Oasis for Cultural Dialogue.
"The centre will be a cultural and intellectual meeting place outside Makkah," Prince Khalid said.
Prince Khalid, a poet, painter and a thinker, said the project was within the realisation of the vision of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia for peace, dialogue and acceptance of the other.
"Hudaibiya is a unique historical place. It has Islamic, intellectual and cultural connotations," he said.
The governor chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss the project with Prince Saud Bin Abdullah, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and Makkah Mayor Osama Al Bar.
Attraction for visitors
"The location will be an attraction for tourists and visitors from all over the world," he said.
The establishment of the King Abdullah Oasis for Cultural Dialogue was a recommendation of the first international interfaith conference held in Makkah last year to inculcate the culture of dialogue among citizens in addition to the training and upgrading of their skills under strong scientific pillars.
The King, with his governing reformist team, is trying to consolidate three important political concepts which are: peace, dialogue and acceptance of the together to confront what is known as "civilisations" conflicts.
Many world leaders have lauded this trend which started with the king's call for dialogue among religions and civilisations. Interfaith conferences were held in Spain and Switzerland.
"This will be one of the most important locations that will highlight Islamic civilisation. The old Makkah architectural style will be used in the construction of the centre in addition to the local pattern," Prince Khalid said.
