TAIF: The total value of completed, approved and ongoing projects in the eastern governorates of the Makkah region is SR13 billion (around $3.47 billion), Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah announced on Wednesday, during a tour of the region. The prince has been chairing various local councils during his tour, reviewing approved and ongoing projects and discussing the major changes that have recently taken place in the Kingdom.  He explained that the Saudi leadership has long stressed the importance of meeting the people and listening to their demands.FASTFACTS Prince Khalid said the Kingdom has become a ‘model for progress and growth.’ The prince placed the foundation stone for the second phase of several road projects in three governorates. Prince Khalid said that Saudi society has “matured enough to be ranked among developed countries in various fields” and added the Kingdom has become a “model for progress and growth.” The prince also placed the foundation stone for the second phase of several road projects in three governorates. Prince Khalid later launched a number of cultural initiatives as part of the Makkah Cultural Forum in Al-Khurma, under the slogan “How to be a role model according to the Qur’an.” He also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Ranyah governorate and Taif University to enhance cooperation between the two bodies in various fields, including professional development, scientific research, volunteer work, and enhancing the university’s cultural role.