Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al-Faleh, Vice President for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque, described King Abdullah's visit as motivated by the Monarch's keenness to address the needs of Madina and complete the expansion of the Prophet's Mosque from the eastern side. Similar courtyards as to the east are to be added to the western side, as well as ablution areas and car parking lots and all accompanying services. Among these services will be 182 canopy umbrellas covering the three courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, and 68 canopies for the eastern courtyard, along with further canopies for six promenades from the south side bringing the total number to 250. The canopies boast a new design from previous umbrellas, consisting of two overlapping layers, with each canopy reaching a height of over 14 meters and giving shelter from sun and rain to 800 worshippers. – Okaz __
