Makkah — Representatives of local and GCC media took part of the first Makkah landmarks tour in the city organized by Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel. The tour took participant on an expansive journey through the thriving metropolis of Makkah, where history and human progress converge and where millions of Muslims come together in a shared spirit of graciousness and comradeship. The tour aimed at giving participants of glimpse of the incredible narrative of the birth of Islam and the tremendous undertakings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his devout followers according to Abdulaziz Eid, Makkah Clock Royal Tower's general manager. He said, "Today, we are thrilled to launch the first of its kind Makkah landmarks journey through the thriving metropolis of Makkah, where history and human progress converge and where millions of Muslims come together in a shared spirit of graciousness and comradeship." The first of its kind in the city, the tour includes many of the city's main landmarks, and notably, its less visited sacred sites. From the cave of Hera, nestled in Jabal Al Noor in Eastern Makkah, where the Prophet (pbuh) first received his revelations from God through the archangel Gabriel, to Masjid Al Shajarah (Mosque of the tree), which marks the spot where the Prophet (pbuh) called out to a tree and it rose to meet him, the tour weaves together legendary stories and paints a vibrant picture of Islam's beginning and its subsequent expansion. The city's remarkable past is deeply etched in every corner, ancient wall, winding street and inspiring landmark. It is a city that has witnessed profound events and revelations. Our mission in this tour is to give our visitors the opportunity to experience the true essence and spirit of the holy city through its sacred sites, stories, sounds, smells, tastes and more," noted Ahmed Hozaein, FRHI Makkah, Managing Director. "Makkah Landmarks Tour showcases some of the holiest religious and historical sites in Islam and the world. Previously, pilgrims had limited opportunities to explore the city, and we hope that this new tour and viewing location will encourage them to do so," added Hozaein. The nine-member delegation headed first to the Mountain of Noor "the Cave of Hira", where the Prophet (pbuh), used to spend long periods worshiping before his mission. Then, journalists took some time at the Mountain of Mercy, located to the east of Makkah in the Arafat area which the Prophet (pbuh), stood and delivered his famous farewell sermon (Khotbat Al-Wada') during Hajjat Al-Wada, Prophet's last pilgrimage. During the course of the trip various media representatives went through virtual journey to the Prophet's time at Assalmu Alaika Ayyuha Annabi project museum which uses modern technology to bring to life even the minutest details from the time and life of the Prophet (pbuh). The group also visited the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques significant collections of documents, photographs and collectables that tell the stories of different periods of the history of the Two Holy Mosques.
