Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Mar 29, 2026

Makkah's Museums: Preserving History and Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience with Precious Artifacts

Makkah's Museums: Preserving History and Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience with Precious Artifacts

The text discusses the significance of museums in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Muslims from around the world.
Dr. Fahd Al-Maliki, a historian and professor, explains that the emergence of museums in the Arab world was hindered by various challenges, including religious objections to the display of artifacts and statues, which some viewed as reminiscent of pre-Islamic idol worship.

This led to their destruction in many Arab countries, hindering the development of museums in the region.

The text also mentions the observance of 'Laylat Al-Qadr' prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The text discusses how there has been a shift in prioritizing the preservation of historical narratives and cultural legacies in Saudi Arabia.

This led to the establishment of museums, including the Islamic Heritage Museum in Makkah, which showcases rare archaeological and prehistoric artifacts, as well as the architectural splendor of the Grand Mosque.

The museum plays a vital role in educating visitors about the kingdom's history and contributions to serving the two holy mosques.

The creation of museums and archaeology departments in universities is a result of this heightened interest in cultural heritage preservation.

Fifty-seven museums have been established in Saudi Arabia, with one in Makkah showcasing centuries-old preserved and restored artifacts.

Professor Saad Al-Sharif highlights the importance of these museums in exhibiting Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage and pioneering spirit.

The museums in Makkah, including one featured, display ancient artifacts dating back over 1,400 years, providing valuable insights into the Kingdom's history for visitors from around the world.

The Alssalamu Alaika Ayyuha Annabi Museum in Makkah is known for its collection of Quranic verses and 1,500 artifacts from Prophet Muhammad's era.

The Umm Al-Qura Museum, located in King Abdulaziz's palace, showcases metal tools, Islamic inscriptions, rock drawings, and historical tombstones dating back over seven centuries.

The Clock Tower Museum, a four-story building opened in Makkah's central district four years ago, is a notable landmark and plays a crucial role in determining prayer times, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

The text describes Makkah's Islamic Heritage Museum, which showcases ancient artifacts and exhibits related to astronomy, eclipses, planets, and lunar phenomena.

The museum offers live stargazing experiences using a telescope and access to scientific journals and papers.

The museum is also known for its collection of rare archaeological and prehistoric artifacts and highlights the architectural beauty of the Grand Mosque and Saudi Arabia's contributions to serving the Two Holy Mosques.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Emphasise Secure Shipping Routes in Talks on West Asia Conflict
Dallas-Based Company Secures One Billion Dollar Hotel Development Deal in Saudi Arabia
Zelensky Secures Defence Cooperation Deals with Gulf States During Strategic Regional Tour
Trump Calls on Saudi Arabia to Join Abraham Accords in Push for Expanded Middle East Cooperation
Trump Balances Humor and Praise in Remarks on Saudi Crown Prince
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Pipeline Reaches Seven Million Barrel Capacity to Bypass Hormuz
Rubio Signals U.S. Could Conclude Iran Conflict Within Weeks as Air Campaign Intensifies
More Than a Dozen U.S. Soldiers Injured in Saudi Base Attack as Iran-Backed Houthis Expand Conflict
Iranian Strike on US Base in Saudi Arabia Injures Troops and Damages Aircraft
Pakistan to Convene Regional Talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt Amid Iran War Diplomacy
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Reach ‘Mutually Beneficial’ Defence Agreement
Ukraine to Share Battlefield Expertise with Saudi Arabia Under New Defence Agreement
Trump Takes Center Stage at Saudi Arabia’s FII Miami Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Gulf States Explore Pipeline Routes to Bypass Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
Iran Conflict Drives Saudi Arabia to Deepen Security Ties with Ukraine
Saudi Arabia Reviews Desert Ski Resort Plans with Cancellation of Key Building Contracts
Saudi Arabia Targets Business Hotel Shortfall with $1 Billion Development Push
Iran and Allied Forces Intensify Strikes on Energy Sites and Urban Areas Across Region
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Formalise Defence Cooperation Agreement, Zelenskiy Announces
Saudi Arabia Reportedly Presses US to Intensify Operations Against Iran
Saudi Arabia Expands Maritime Network with Launch of Six New Shipping Services
Saudi Arabia Launches FII Summit Amid Heightened Focus on Global Stability and Investment Risks
Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN Secures First US Customer in Expansion of AI Capabilities
Saudi Arabia Calls on US to Seize Strategic Opportunity to Reshape the Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Investments Help Shape Silicon Valley’s Rise
Saudi Arabia Announces Passing of King Abdullah, Marking End of an Era
Saudi Arabia May Shift From Neutrality to Retaliation if Houthi Attacks Escalate, Experts Warn
UAE and Saudi Arabia Urge Decisive US Action on Iran as Regional Pressure Intensifies
Zelensky Visits Saudi Arabia After Offering Ukraine’s Drone Expertise
Saudi Arabia Pauses Ambitious Desert Ski Project Amid Strategic Reassessment
Trump Set for Palm Beach Return Following Saudi-Backed Summit in Miami
Saudi Arabia Accelerates Yanbu Oil Exports Toward Five Million Barrel Target
Report Highlights Saudi-US Security Discussions as Trump Administration Evaluates Iran Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s Humain Commits Three Billion Dollars to Elon Musk’s xAI in Strategic Technology Push
Saudi Arabia Signals Firm Shift in Iran Policy, Declares Coexistence No Longer Viable
Saudi Clubs Prepare Major Push to Sign Mohamed Salah Amid Growing Transfer Speculation
Saudi Arabia Rejects Claims It Seeks to Prolong Regional Conflict
Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Actions and Signals Firm Shift Toward Stronger Response
Saudi Arabia Reassesses Strategic Approach as Regional Tensions with Iran Intensify
Pakistan Reaffirms Strong Support for Saudi Arabia Following High-Level Visit
Saudi Arabia Expands Regional Trade Links by Opening New Land and Sea Routes to UAE
World Economic Forum Delays Saudi Conference as Regional Conflict Disrupts Global Agenda
Saudi Arabia and UAE Signal Potential Entry into Iran Conflict if Critical Infrastructure Is Targeted
Global Firms Accelerate Expansion into Saudi Arabia as Economic Reforms Gain Momentum
Global Labour Pressure Mounts as ILO Faces Calls to Reject Saudi Bid to Dismiss Migrant Worker Complaint
Gulf Powers Move Closer to Entering Iran Conflict as Regional Pressure Intensifies
Saudi Arabia Breaks Ranks with Regional Allies Over Response to Iran Escalation
Saudi Arabia Moves Closer to Direct Role as Iran Conflict Intensifies
World Economic Forum Postpones Jeddah Meeting Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Saudi Crown Prince Reportedly Urges Trump to Sustain Military Pressure on Iran
×