Noufal Ahmad Ibrahim & Ahmed Bajammal, Chief Editors
Diaa, Fahad, & Thamer, Contributing Editors
After a delicious and extravagant lunch, all dignitaries returned to the hall.
The issue that was being debated was now “ Rethinking real estate and urban development”
The session introduction was conducted by John Defterios, followed by Prince Charles’ video message. In his message , he emphasized the importance of finding and using energy efficiently and avoiding deforestation . He also shed light on satisfying the core and spiritual needs of the people in our societies while building infrastructure and not only constructing concrete blocks.
Former Mayor of New Orleans (Mark Morial) honored the stage with his presence. He began by thanking King Abdullah for his help provided in overcoming the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. He addressed topics such as economic development and terrorism and the effects of these on both societies as a whole.
Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity of building cities. This should be carried out in a way that it not only provides shelters but also improves the quality of life concentrating on the individual and cultural institutes for the next generations to learn the appropriate traditions .
During his speech, he mentioned Malcolm X ,a great pioneer, who was inspired by his pilgrimages to Makkah, and spoke largely on his efforts and hard work to better his society.
Engineer Adel Faqueeh talked about the company for real estate development which was ordered by his majesty King Abdullah in his Royal Decree . he said it had a role in developing and growing random sites which number 50 regions or districts which are suffering underdevelopment and lack of services which should be enjoyed by everyone or a premise. Mr. Tariq Faqueeh gave an overview on the project that the Makkah region will enjoy and how it will solve all the problems pilgrims meet during pilgrimage such as poor transport and poor housing . This project will be profitable to everyone.
To better the quality of life of mankind is not an easy job, yet with true thinking and planning, impossible things will cease to exist.
1 comment:
This was another interesting session. I particularly liked Mark Morial's comments that cities need three things to be really liveable: an efficient mass transport system, facilites to be within walking distance within neighborhoods, and a cultural infrastructure. I hope all the planners and developers who are so busy and active in KSA at the moment were taking notes!
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