MAKKAH: Ambitious plans aimed at improving the quality of life for people in Makkah have so far seen the building of 118 sports venues and numerous pedestrian zones. Football, volleyball, and tennis courts are among the new facilities that have been provided by Makkah Municipality throughout the city and affiliated governorates. Makkah mayor’s assistant undersecretary, Fahd bin Marzouq Al-Bishri, said local officials were looking to promote sporting activities and competition, particularly among youth, while also spotting talent. The municipality has more than 843,000 square meters of green zones containing dedicated areas set aside for leisure pursuits. Dr. Turki Al-Hamidi, a resident of Al-Shoqiyah neighborhood in Makkah, said the municipality’s initiatives would not only help improve the health of the population but also create a more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environment. “This directly contributes to people’s happiness and eliminates negative phenomena, the most important of which are removing random graffiti on walls, reducing construction waste, and ensuring street cleanliness,” he added. Ali Al-Harthy, from Al-Sharia in eastern Makkah, said it was important to make cities more competitive and smarter while improving the quality of life for residents. “We all must focus on the human dimension and take into account the wide design of playgrounds, parks, and main streets, and respect aspects of design, especially in green spaces, as they are considered environmentally friendly concepts,” he added. More than 226,000 trees and 15,000 palm trees have planted in the municipality as part of a major landscaping program. Al-Harthy said: “Officials must realize how important it is for people to take strolls, especially since Makkah receives over 2 million visitors, so its infrastructure and streets must be in harmony with the ambitious vision of the Kingdom, particularly since Makkah is loved by people from around the world and has been known as a civilized city throughout history.” He noted that public areas were being built or redesigned to meet international standards that ensured access for all.