New Mecca cinema project stirs controversy over proximity to Holy Kaaba, Islam's holiest site

A video featuring a Saudi engineer discussing the construction of a major entertainment project in Mecca has sparked widespread debate on social media over the appropriateness of such developments near the Kaaba and Al-Masjid Al-Haram mosque, Islam's holiest site.

The cinema is a key component of the "Smart Mecca" initiative, which according to public information aims to integrate modern entertainment facilities into the city while adhering to its religious significance. The project is being developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, which has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's entertainment expansion efforts.

In 2023, Seven awarded contracts worth $2.5 billion for various entertainment projects across the Kingdom. The Mecca cinema project, valued at SR1.3 billion ($347 million), is being constructed by the local firm Modern Building Leaders (MBL). 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. For 40 years, cinemas were banned in the Kingdom, reflecting the conservative social norms that prevailed in the country. The ban was lifted in 2018 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to modernize the economy and open up Saudi society. 

Since the lifting of the ban, Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded its cinema infrastructure, with numerous theaters opening across the Kingdom. 

The video, which has been widely shared, has drawn mixed reactions. Some applaud the development as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents. Others expressed concern about the proximity of entertainment venues to the sacred sites of Mecca, questioning whether it aligns with the city's religious and cultural values.

Despite the controversy, the Saudi government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the new developments do not compromise the sanctity of Mecca. Officials emphasize that the cinema and other entertainment projects are designed to complement the city's modern infrastructure while preserving its religious importance.

This Mecca project is one of several entertainment developments that Seven is pursuing across the Kingdom. The company plans to invest SR50 billion in 21 integrated entertainment destinations across 14 cities, part of a larger strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a cultural, entertainment, and tourism hub in the post-COVID-19 era.