going expansion of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, five out of a total 182 new umbrellas were installed in its courtyard Sunday. This is in implementation of the order of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, said Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Faleh, Vice President for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque. Each of these umbrellas will cover about 600 square meters and provide shelter from the sun and rain to about 900 worshippers. The umbrellas will surround the Prophet's Mosque from three sides after covering the eastern expansion that was ordered by the King. Six passages will also be covered on the southern side. Al-Faleh said these umbrellas were manufactured as per the latest technology. The old building of the Prophet's Mosque has got new carpets. Over 161 square woolen carpets and 812 long carpets have been manufactured to cover the mosque while the Rawdha has been covered with 24 square carpets and 25 long carpets. A royal order has been issued to expand the eastern courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque to include the area at present confined by King Abdul Aziz Street on the south, the eastern courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque on the west, Al-Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib Street on the north and King Faisal Street on the east with a total area of 137,405 square meters. Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hussayyin, Mayor of Madina, said special committees would begin assessment soon. It has been decided that demolitions will begin next January. A ban has been imposed on the issuance of any new building permits in the area. The expanded areas added to the eastern courtyards can easily accommodate over 200,000 worshippers. – Okaz __
