Makkah governor briefed on Taif Techno Valley

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal yesterday highlighted the importance of the Taif Techno Valley project, saying it would boost the region’s development.
“The new development plan for Taif includes an industrial city, a new airport, Souk Okaz and housing projects,” the governor said, adding that the plan is being prepared by a ministerial committee.
Prince Khaled was talking to a delegation from King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (KACST) that is supervising the techno valley.
Saeed Al-Hajri, CEO of Techno Valleys at KACST, gave a presentation to the governor on the project, the technology it will have, and its infrastructure facilities.
He said the valley would attract international companies and investors. “Major projects in the city will include a dry port and an international transport center in addition to the new airport and Souk Okaz,” he said.
Al-Hajri said the techno valley includes knowledge-based projects, adding that it would create a lot of new job opportunities for Saudis.
KACST has made a lot of efforts to develop the project by conducting a survey of Taif, coordinating with various government departments and visiting international projects to make a comparison. The project will be completed in four phases.
The technologies to be established in the valley will include those related to solar energy, wind energy, biotechnology, information technology, defense, security, health care, medical sciences, crowd management, agriculture and perfume industry.
Meanwhile, Prince Khaled will chair a meeting today of the executive committee of the Higher Commission for the Development of Makkah and Holy Sites and King Abdullah Project for the Development of Makkah.
The meeting will discuss the comprehensive development plan for Makkah and other holy sites and its public transport system. The governor will also attend the signing of contract to complete the remaining phase of the second ring road, which comes under the King Abdullah Project.