MAKKAH — The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques reported the Grand Mosque Third Expansion project will increase its capacity to include 1.6 million more worshippers, Al-Madinah reported. Deputy chief of the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Mashhour Al-Munimi said the project of the expansion and development of the Grand Mosque includes constructing another main building with its own entrance gate. “The new building will include three stories of prayer areas and a basement as the main operating room for the building. Some of the domes of the building can open to allow fresh air into the building when the weather permits. The building will also have six new minarets at three different gates to announce the Adhan,” said Al-Munimi. He also said the project also includes an external area for praying which will be shaded by 50 umbrellas. “We will also build five new bridges linking several arenas together including the masaa (the running area between Safa and Marwa). The bridges will facilitate the movement and organization of the crowds. Al-Safa Bridge will link the services center to main hall of the Grand Mosque and it spans up to 400 meters in length,” said Al-Munimi. He also said there will also be two landing zones for aircraft and escalators, stairs and elevators to help people move around the area. “All areas of the Grand Mosque are suitably equipped for people with disabilities and special needs and the elderly. We have taken into consideration the use of renewable energy and natural resources in air conditioning and lighting. This third expansion project will expand the mosque's capacity to enable an additional,” said Al-Munimi. He also said there is a facilities and services area which has an area of 75,000 sq. meters. “The area will have an information desk, refreshments booths, environmental-friendly air conditioning and a cleaning unit to make sure waste is immediately discarded and the area is always clean. The project will also install 15 restrooms and toilet stalls,” said Al-Munimi. He added the project also includes the construction of four tunnels for worshippers to walk through to get from Mount Al-Kaaba to the northern arenas and other areas as well. “The general presidency dedicated a cleaning staff to be present at all times throughout these tunnels. There Zamzam water stands and directions to help worshippers find their way have been fitted. There are also security services and medical services,” said Al-Munimi. He also said there is a desk for lost and found where worshippers can go if they lose any of their belongings.
