Saudi Arabia Is Building a Cinema Near Masjid al-Haram

A recent video featuring a Saudi engineer discussing the construction of a major entertainment project in Mecca has ignited a heated debate on social media.

The focus of the controversy is the proximity of the new cinema to the Kaaba and Al-Masjid Al-Haram mosque, Islam’s holiest site.

Smart Mecca Project

The cinema is part of the “Smart Mecca” initiative, which aims to integrate modern entertainment facilities into the city while respecting its religious importance.

This project is being developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Seven has been leading Saudi Arabia’s push to expand its entertainment sector.

The Mecca cinema

In 2023, Seven awarded contracts totaling $2.5 billion for various entertainment projects across the Kingdom.

The Mecca cinema, valued at SR1.3 billion ($347 million), is under construction by Modern Building Leaders (MBL) and is located in the Al Abidiyah district near Umm Al Qura University, outside the Holy Kaaba mosque complex.

The project spans 80,000 square meters.

The construction of cinemas in Saudi Arabia marks a significant cultural shift, as cinemas were banned for 40 years under the Kingdom’s conservative social norms.

The ban was lifted in 2018 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the economy and open up Saudi society.

Saudi News Outlet Confirmed The News

Boundaries of The Haram

Reactions to the video have been mixed. Some support the development as a step toward modernizing Saudi Arabia and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

The is how the project would look like;

Others are concerned about the proximity of entertainment venues to Mecca’s sacred sites, questioning whether it aligns with the city’s religious values.

Despite the controversy, Saudi officials have assured that the new developments will not compromise Mecca’s sanctity. They emphasize that these projects are designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure while preserving its religious importance.