RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 2, 2026--
Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, the owner, developer, and operator of Masar Destination, announced the launch of a unified digital platform for property ownership within the destination through approved developers.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260202971654/en/
The new digital platform provides accurate and up-to-date information in both Arabic and English about all approved developers within Masar destination, thus enhancing transparency and establishing high levels of regulation within an integrated urban system.
This initiative, which reflects the Company’s responsible approach to urban development and its commitment to preserving the unique character of place and enhancing quality of life, was launched as part of the company’s participation in Future Real Estate Forum 2026, the Kingdom’s premier event in this industry, which features broad international participation including representatives from more than 120 countries and over 300 global speakers.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Yasser Abuateek, Chief Executive Officer of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, said, “The launch of the unified digital ownership platform at Masar is a strategic step toward enhancing transparency and innovation in the real estate sector. It highlights our commitment to providing an integrated urban experience that supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to positioning Makkah at the forefront of digital transformation. It also strengthens confidence in the real estate market by offering diverse options that meet residents’ needs within a modern and sustainable urban environment.”
Spanning over 1.2 million square meters, Masar Destination is the largest urban project in Makkah. Its portfolio, which spans hotels, residential and hotel apartments, and integrated commercial and medical facilities, aligns with the Kingdom’s vision for advanced urban environments that serve both visitors and residents.
The project has recently signed development agreements with a number of developers and investment funds, with total investment exceeding SAR 63 billion, including acquisition and infrastructure costs, reinforcing its position as one of the Kingdom’s most prominent investment destinations.
To learn more about the platform, click here: https://www.masardestination.com.sa/en/developers
Source:AETOSWire
Future Semi Arial view of Masar (Photo: AETOSWire)
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — It's already been a long, cold winter across much of the United States, and on Monday, Punxsutawney Phil's handlers were poised to announce whether the weather-predicting groundhog says there's more of the same to come.
When Phil is said to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that's considered a forecast for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, an early spring is said to be on the way.
Tens of thousands of people were on hand at Gobbler's Knob for the annual ritual that goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney's festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.
Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.
“Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”
Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, was rooting for Phil to not see his shadow and therefore predict an early start to spring.
Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.
“I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”
Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.
AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”
Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.
Phil isn't the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.
Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.
Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
George Morar, of Youngstown, Ohio., celebrates while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, to come out and make his prediction during the 140th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Toni Massey, of Bismack, N.D., right, celebrates while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, to come out and make his prediction during the 140th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
FILE - Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
