aziz has also shown special interest in the care and development of the two holy mosques. Recently, he allocated SR10 billion for the comprehensive development of the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. For the benefit of pilgrims and worshippers, he also ordered the air-conditioning of the entire Holy Mosque in Makkah. Plans have also been made to increase the mosque's capacity by 35 percent to accommodate the growing numbers of pilgrims and worshippers, especially during the peak Hajj and Umrah seasons. The new expansion project is likely to be completed by 2020. A new expansion project is being carried out at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah at a cost of SR4 billion. The project includes construction of sunshades around the mosque, expansion of the mosque's eastern courtyard and establishment of a new transport station and parking areas. The project is aimed at creating additional prayer area for some 270,000 worshippers and improving facilities for the comfort of pilgrims and other visitors. --MORE
