DCA Seeks Financing for Madinah Project

RIYADH, 28 September 2005 — Prince Sultan ibn Salman, chairman of the board of trustees, Disabled Children’s Association (DCA), signed yesterday an agreement with a local agency for the construction of a four-star hotel in Madinah and utilize its income for disabled children in the holy city.

The cost of the project is estimated to be from SR35 to SR40 million. Philanthropists have so far donated some SR15 million and the DCA is seeking additional financing.

A committee, headed by Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh, has been set up to monitor the project.

Giving the details of the project, Prince Sultan said an endowment fund, known as “Waha Tayyeba” has been set up as part of the strategy to generate a permanent source of income for meeting the operational costs of their centers, which provide free services to disabled children.

The Waha Tayyeba project will be located in Madinah on an area of 935 sq. mt. some 250 mt from the Prophet’s Mosque. It will consist of a four-star hotel with 14 floors in addition to two basement and ground floors as well as a mezzanine. Every floor will contain 23 rooms and the total constructed area will be 15,900 sq. mt.

Prince Sultan said the DCA had made great efforts to ensure that the project blends harmoniously with the heritage and architecture of Madinah while including all the features required in a modern building.