What Lies Behind the Attacks on the Land of the Two Holy Mosques: An Analytical Reading of Media Assaults on Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the land of the two holy mosques and the birthplace of Islam, is under an intense campaign of bias and media assault, particularly from certain Western media outlets. One of the most notable attacks came from the American channel “Fox News,” which recently mocked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to develop the tourism sector in the Kingdom. What are the backgrounds of this attack, and why do criticisms escalate whenever Saudi Arabia takes steps towards progress and modernization?
Behind the Attack on the Land of the Two Holy Mosques
ما وراء الهجوم على بلاد الحرمين الشريفين
Derrière l'Attaque contre la Terre des Deux Saintes Mosquées pic.twitter.com/kxTgqe5E01
— Diplomatique.ma الدبلوماسية (@diplomatique_ma) August 19, 2024
Tourism in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques: Vision and Strategy
The Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is one of the most ambitious plans in the Arab world. This vision aims to diversify the Saudi economy and develop new sectors, including tourism. This development is part of a comprehensive strategic plan to open the Kingdom to the world, not only as a religious destination but also as a cultural and tourist destination that reflects its rich history and diverse heritage.
Saudi Arabia, which welcomes millions of Muslims annually to perform Hajj and Umrah, has the capacity to welcome even more visitors if it opens its doors to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. With the wise leadership’s vision, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its role as a center of Islamic civilization and a beacon of tolerance and moderation.
Media Assault: Politicizing Investments and Future Vision
The attack launched by media outlets like “Fox News” on the Kingdom’s tourism plans is merely part of a broader strategy to politicize the progress achieved by Saudi Arabia. It can be said that these attacks come in the context of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the international stage and the successes the Kingdom is achieving in various fields.
Vision 2030 has irked many who see Saudi Arabia’s rise as a threat to their interests or influence. They recognize that opening the Kingdom to global tourism will enhance its status as a leading economic and cultural destination, which could change the existing balances.
“Al-Mu’allafat Qulubuhum”: A Purely Islamic Strategy
What the critics either ignore or overlook is that Saudi Arabia follows an Islamic approach in dealing with the world, an approach based on the noble values established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Opening Saudi Arabia’s doors to the world is part of the principle of “Al-Mu’allafat Qulubuhum,” where non-Muslims are invited to learn about Islam from its source and experience the life of Muslims up close in the land of the two holy mosques.
This policy shows that Saudi Arabia is not just a state seeking modernization for economic development, but it practices its role as a cradle of Islam and enhances its leadership in the Islamic world. By allowing people to visit the holy places, they are given the opportunity to learn about the tolerant Islamic customs and traditions, which can contribute to correcting many misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.
In Conclusion: Responding to the Campaign with Successes
The media assault on Saudi Arabia should be met with hard work and the achievement of more successes. Saudi Arabia, under its wise leadership, proves day after day that it is capable of overcoming challenges and moving steadily towards a better future. The real response to these attacks lies in the realization of Vision 2030 and in continuing to present the Kingdom as a global religious and cultural destination, embracing everyone and offering them a unique experience in the heart of the Islamic world.
What some see as a threat is, in fact, a confirmation of the leading role that Saudi Arabia plays in the world, and proof that the Kingdom is moving in the right direction towards achieving its goals and aspirations. Under the leadership of the Crown Prince, the Kingdom is moving forward with steady steps towards the future, carrying with it a great religious and cultural heritage that will remain a source of pride for every Muslim.
