Makkah, a unique knowledge city : universal spirituality, global reach and local economy

Abstract EN

Located in the western region of Saudi Arabia, Makkah is the centre of the Islamic Faith.

The paper investigates the spiritual potential of Makkah to become a unique Knowledge City; in terms of the local economy as well as the universal spiritual reach.

As such, the addition of a new layer in the development and planning of the city is to be argued.

To solidify the base on which the assumption of the paper is discussed, the spirituality of the City of Makkah is highlighted.

Accordingly, a new capital conception is added to the matrix of knowledge capitals in the case of Makkah; i.e.

“spiritual capital”, and strategic directions needed for the transition of the city into a unique KC are discussed.

By doing that, there should be a paradigm shift in the development of the city from an urban-based development to knowledge citizen-oriented development.