hatta village in dubai world and medina project news

" taken from the watchtower with Hatta Town in the background "

I am in Dubai for a week or two and might stay longer because of work. This is my 3rd visit here and I love this cosmopolitan city, different from other middle eastern country. It is a city of contrasts, where outstanding modern architecture and soaring skyscrapers stand alongside traditional Arabic buildings and old villages. They also have a village by my name called "Hatta Village" located in the rocky "Hatta Mountains". It's a historical village that goes back thousands of years. Now part of it turned into tourist spot that consists of 30 buildings made of mud, hay, sandalwood and palmfronds. Overlooking the village are two towers, known as the "two stones" that were used as defense fortresses. Enjoyed the serenity while I was exploring and my guide find it amusing with my name . . . related to this historical place. By showing my namecard to traders there, I've got great discount on shopping from them.

I have not been checking the news lately but this piece from Najib Tun Razak here made me smile: How I love to visit Medina to be close to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his beloved city.

" Masjid an-Nabawi - Medina, Saudi Arabia "

RM25b hi-tech city in Medina

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

MEDINA: Malaysia will help Saudi Arabia build a RM25bil high-tech knowledge-economic city here.

“This is going to be a landmark not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the Muslim world,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“It shows two Muslim countries can co-operate and collaborate in the interest of the ummah (Muslim community) and can indeed transform the Muslim world,” he said here on Monday.

He had earlier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Saudi’s Seera City Real Estate Development Corporation to build the Medina Knowledge Economic City (KEC). Najib said it was only fitting that Medina – the holy city that marked the beginning of the Islamic acquisition of knowledge – was chosen to transform the Muslims and to bring about a true revival.

“This will not only transform Medina but elevate its standing in the eyes of the world,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Najib said he was proud that Malaysia had been chosen as Saudi Arabia's partner for the KEC, which is patterned after Malaysia’s own Multimedia Super Corridor and Cyberjaya.

“We are willing to share our experiences and all our expertise. We have built the MSC and Cyberjaya and we will share the experience gained to make this project a real success,” he said.

He also suggested that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia embark on twinning programmes between the MSC and the KEC, adding that MDeC has the framework to bring in the Malaysian companies. MDec is one-stop agency established to facilitate the development and promotion of the MSC. Seera City managing director Dr Sami Baroum said they were already in talks with a number of Malaysian companies.

“The project is huge and can absorb as many joint ventures as possible,” he added.

Physical work on the project will start in August and the first phase is expected to be completed in three-and-a-half years, he said.

That phase, he said, would include educational and health segments, hospitals, a hospitality complex, museum and some residential and retail shops.

Dr Sami said Medina, because of its holy status, was exclusively for Muslims and, hence, the projects would go to companies from the Muslim world.

“Malaysia is on top of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in terms of technology and capability and experience,” he added.

KEC will be ready in 12 to 15 years. Spread over 4.8 million sq metres, there will be, among others, technology and knowledge complexes, an interactive museum, a business centre and Islamic civilisation studies, technology and administrative centres.
source: The Star

Tags|Islam|News Asia|Dubai|Malaysian|Hatzputra