When the late King Abdul Aziz founded the modern Saudi state, one of the primary concerns was his role in overseeing the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage. Aware that the Grand Mosque could not accommodate the growing number of worshippers, he initiated a refurbishment and expansion program. The practice continued and is being pursued vigorously by the succeding sons of King Abdul Aziz. Of all the projects undertaken by Saudi Arabia during the reign of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, it is central to the King's and Kingdom's purpose. Thus King Abdullah has spared no efforts and expense in developing the Two Holy Mosques to accommodate safely the vast numbers of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom each year, while at the same time taking great care to ensure that the expansion is entirely consistent with the architectural design of the existing structure. The Tunisian elites have commended the King's endeavors to develop the Two Holy Mosques, describing the project launched by King Abdullah to implement the largest-ever expansion in the history of the Holy Haram as a landmark in the history of the Ummah. In fact more than half a billion female and male Muslims in different parts of the globe share this outlook of appreciation and respect for the Saudi monarch. Their hearts are filled with joy for the great care given to the Two Holy Harams, the symbol of the unity of the Ummah. It is an indisputable fact that these huge projects being carried out in the Two Holy Harams in the service of the Muslims stand as conclusive evidence of the King's unlimited care for the “Qibla” of Muslims. Thus, he has been mobilizing the Kingdom's human and financial recourses in the service of the Guests of Allah – pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to enable them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort. The significant role being played by the media made it possible for all Muslims across the world to watch the launch of these mega projects being carried out in their service. This made the Holy Mosque and Prophet's Mosque ever present in their souls as is in the case of those whom Almighty Allah blessed to perform Haj, Umrah and pray at the Two Holy Mosques. __
