Khalid Al-Himaidi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — The expansion of the mataaf (circumambulation area) and the northern arena of the Grand Mosque is in its final stages, said Sultan Al-Qurashi, General Director of Projects at the General Presidency of Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque Affairs. He added the expansion project of the two mosques has been expedited to ensure the completion of the project before Ramadan. “We completed the base of the two lighthouses of Al-Umrah gate at the Grand Mosque. We renovated the pillars of the northern arena and Al-Mikbariyah (adhan chamber) north of the mataaf,” said Al-Qurashi. “Our contracting company has instructed all of its engineers, technicians and construction workers to complete the job. They are working around the clock nonstop as we expand the northern arena of the Grand Mosque and the mataaf,” he added. The mataaf expansion project began in 2012 and the first year saw the expansion of Al-Safa to Al-Fatih gates. The second year involved the expansion of Al-Fatih to Al-Umrah gates. “We are currently in its third and final year and we have expanded up to King Abdulaziz gate. We have completed the ground floor and are currently working on the first floor of the mataaf,” said Al-Qurashi. He added the renovation and expansion work included the reinstallation of new marble floors and pillars. “We even built an entire floor for wheelchair-bound users and pilgrims with special needs. We changed the electro mechanic network of all the floors,” he said.
