SCTA to build museum showcasing Makkah’s history

[United]

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is developing a museum embodying Makkah’s rich history at Maabida Palace, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of SCTA on Sunday.
“We are also building a number of new regional museums,” he added.
Prince Sultan made these comments after meeting Abdul Maqsood Khoja at his house in Jeddah. He honored Khoja for donating nine rare manuscripts to SCTA and commended his desire to preserve the Saudi national heritage.
“The books donated by Khoja including a manuscript of the Holy Qur’an are very valuable,” the prince said, adding, “They represent a precious gift for SCTA and will be preserved at the new Makkah Museum.”
He said the SCTA eceived 14,000 pieces of antiquities from inside and outside the Kingdom.
“We hope more citizens will donate their relics to SCTA in order for us to take care of them properly.”
Khoja commended Prince Sultan’s efforts to boost domestic tourism and preserve the Kingdom’s heritage. He also extended his appreciation to the SCTA for hosting Saudi heritage shows at major world museums.
The manuscripts presented by Khoja to SCTA include one related to Sahih Bukhari dating back to 1166 Hijri and written by Mahmoud Al-Eskarari, a book on the Hanafi school of thought written by Ibrahim Al-Halbi in 923 Hijri and Islamic edicts written by Muhammad Al-Khalidi in 969 Hijri.