class dock for fishermen has been completed as part of the urban renewal developments taking place in the town of Thuwal, it was announced by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The KAUST authority supervised the project which Saudi Aramco carried out. The dock is a gift from King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to the citizens of Thuwal. It now has a capacity for 180 boats. The dock was one of the projects announced earlier this year by King Abdullah, during the inauguration of the KAUST. The other project was the construction of a Corniche to beautify the town, and which now includes shops, mosques and restaurants. Saudi Aramco was asked to complete both projects before the end of 2009. The dock will be presented to the town's fishermen by a special committee consisting of the governorate of the Makkah Region, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, the Frontier Guard, and the KAUST authorities. The project is aimed at improving the conditions for fishing, while safeguarding the heritage of the area. The project leaders had stuck to strict safety guidelines. They also had to ensure the new dock was accessible from various parts of the town. King Abdullah had also issued directives for the KAUST authorities to develop the infrastructure in Thuwal, which is situated close to the KAUST campus. Projects will be undertaken to construct a cultural center and an outdoor center overlooking the sea, where various events can be held. The gateway to the town will also be developed. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Vice President of KAUST for Administrative and Financial Affairs, said the university was proud to have the King's trust in supervising the urban renewal projects in Thuwal. He said this reflects the determination of the government to have sustainable development across the nation. Nasser Al-Nafisi, Vice President of KAUST for Services, said the comprehensive development project for Thuwal, would transform the town. In the past, the town was well-known as a rest-stop for pilgrims. Its port was also well-known to fishermen, and it was an attraction for divers, he said. Al-Nafisi said the project for developing Thuwal was a natural extension of the construction of KAUST. Thuwal is where most of the university's staff will stay. The projects are also being seen as a possible boost for fishing or “Al-Sadafah”. This has been the profession of many generations of residents. Diving trips were known as “Al-Safar” (or travel) because divers would go on sea voyages for nearly nine months, from late Dhul Hijja to late Sha'ban every year, to ply their trade. The divers would sail along the eastern and western Red Sea coasts using sail boats known as Al
