His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday opened Ahl El-Kahf (the Cave of the Seven Sleepers), a site rich with artifacts of religious and historical significance, including a Byzantine burial site and two ancient mosques.

The new complex includes a mosque, prayer halls for men and women and a multi-purpose hall. It is landscaped with walls and trees. The development is part of a projected initiated by King Abdullah to restore dozens of religious sites throughout the country, including sites associated with the Companions of the Prophet Mohammad. Twenty sites have been restored so far. The restoration and construction at Ahl El-Kahf was undertaken at a cost of JD1 million.

The King Abdullah II Preacher Training Institute will acquaint preachers with contemporary social issues and the role of Islam in addressing public issues and will emphasize practical training, especially in counseling skills.