Administration and Social Services

Makkah derives its drinking water from the nearby wadis and desalination plant by the Red Sea. Electricity is provided by an oil powered generating facility on the road to Madinah. Housing is, in the main, a mix of old, two or three storey city houses, multi-storey buildings and modern villas in the newer areas. Health services are provided for all free of charge. The continual flow of Umrah performers and the enormous influx of pilgrims at the time of Hajj pose particular problems for the health authorities but, with the total commitment of the Government of the Kingdom, these challenges have been met. Education is a top priority for the Saudi Government which means free education for all children (girls and boys) through to university level. The Umm al Qura University is located in Makkah. In addition there are two university colleges.