The Saudi government has launched a number of developmental projects worth over SR219 million ($58.3 million) in the historic city of Badr, said a report.

The major ones include a residential project for Saudi nationals comprising 70 houses, the launch of the second and third phase of the Badr-Yanbu Road project, buildings for the police department of Badr and a cultural centre, reported the Arab News.

Madinah Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman, who launched these projects, also laid the foundation stone for a number of municipal and welfare projects, including a building for Badr Municipality, asphalting of a number of localities, and other such projects.

"Strengthening tourism programmes and facilities for tourists and visitors in the region as per Shariah principles and guidelines is key to development of Badr," Prince Faisal was quoted as saying in the report.

Also an agreement was signed  in his presence between the tourism commission of the region and the municipality to improve the seaside of the region in Al-Rais.