Residents of Mecca are starting to worry, as people refer to their home as 'Las Vegas.' During the last decade, Islam's holiest site has been transformed. While some Muslims in the community are happy with the changes, others are not leaving opinions divided. In previous times, the town was likened to a desert and struggled to keep up with the increasing number of people arriving for the annual Hajj. However, those days are now long gone. The city has been transformed and it surrounded by shopping malls, luxury hotels and skyscrapers. If you ask the al-Saudi monarchy, they will tell you that Mecca is their vision of the future. Mecca is their way of showcasing what they have, and they feel a great sense of pride when talking about it. On the other hand, a majority of citizens, especially those living in two holy cities of Mecca and Medina have frowned upon massive changes. Years ago Mecca was known as the location where all Muslims were equal, regardless of their wealth, status and background. However, in recent years, many have labelled the holy site as a place only accessible for the wealthy. Those that aren't happy with the changes are reluctant to speak up out of fear of criticizing official policy in the authoritarian kingdom. Muslim communities (excluding Turkey and Iran) have on the whole kept quiet to avoid diplomatic fallouts and restrictions on pilgrimage visas. Also, some archaeologists refuse to voice their fears in case access to sites are denied. Although there are some archaeologists and historians from Saudi that are expressing their opinions in the hope that historical sites in Saudi Arabia can be saved. Dr Irfan al-Alawi is an executive director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, who has public fought to protect his countries ancient buildings. He argues that no one has the guts to stand up and take a stand against the cultural vandalism that is taking place. He went on to express his sadness by highlighting the fact that around 400-500 sites have already been destroyed or demolished. Dr Irfan al-Alawi is not the only one concerned, as is Sami Angawi – a leading expert in the region's Islamic architecture. He explains how there is a huge contradiction between the nature of Mecca and then sacredness of the house of God. Perhaps the most significant and immediate concern for those such as Dr. Irfan al-Alwai and Sami Angawi is the $850m plan to expand the Grand Mosque. The mosque is the most sacred Islamic site that is home to the Kabba. Country justice minister Mohammed al-Eissa claims that the construction work would respect glory and sacredness of the location although many aren't convinced. After the construction is it believed that 1.2 million extra pilgrims with be able to be accommodated for each year. However, the development is likely to place sacred locations such as the Ottoman sections of the Grand Mosque where the Prophet Mohamed was born. If the construction plans go ahead, more skyscrapers and grand shopping malls appear, will Mecca still be recognized as the holiest place on earth? The Muslim community must pull together to protect Prophet Mohamed's home (Peace upon him). What do you think?