Madinah: The third edition of the Manafea Forum was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of Emir of Madinah Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan. Themed “Sustainability in Serving the Guests of God,” the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss investment, development, and sustainability in Makkah and Madinah.
Strengthening Makkah and Madinah as Global Hubs
Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, and the Manafea Initiative Board, highlighted the forum’s growing impact. Entering its third year, the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and aims to elevate Makkah and Madinah as global centers for Islamic business and knowledge exchange.
“Investing in the sacred cities benefits not only Saudi Arabia but the entire Islamic world,” he said, emphasizing efforts to attract entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Plans are underway to expand the Manafea Initiative, including new events in Madinah, focusing on advanced leadership training for Muslims globally.
Economic and Investment Opportunities in the Holy Cities
Mazen Rajab, Chairman of the Madinah Chamber, emphasized that serving the Two Holy Mosques is not just a religious duty but also a key economic driver, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030.
• Islamic chambers’ participation marks a new phase, transforming Madinah into a hub for global business discussions.
• The forum introduced a roundtable format to enhance engagement and impact.
• Saudi Arabia ranks second in West Asia and Africa in exhibition space, with 14 regions hosting events totaling $60 million annually.
• The halal sector, valued at $7 trillion in 2024, presents vast investment opportunities.
• The economies of Makkah and Madinah contribute 28% of Saudi Arabia’s $1.067 trillion GDP, primarily driven by religious tourism.
“With 18.5 million Umrah pilgrims in 2024 and expectations rising to 30 million, infrastructure developments in airports, trains, and roads are driving economic growth,” Rajab stated.
New Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships
The Manafea Forum 2025 will introduce:
• Creative Economy Series (May 2025)
• National Manafea Weeks in Islamic Countries (June 2025)
• Entrepreneurship Forum (November 2025)
A strategic agreement was signed between the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and the Social Development Bank, offering Sharia-compliant financing and training programs for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Recognizing Excellence in Sustainability
The Madinah Environment Award honored organizations championing sustainable practices:
• Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities – Developing Vegetation Cover & Combating Desertification
• Alfa Plastic Industries – Sustainable Use of Plastic
• Sharjah Environment Company – Environmental Awareness Initiatives
• Royal Commission in Yanbu – Protecting the Marine Environment
With a focus on sustainability, investment, and leadership, the Manafea Forum continues to shape the future of Islamic economic and knowledge-based growth, ensuring Makkah and Madinah remain at the forefront of global development. (Extract from saudigazette.com.sa)
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