Since 2011, Makkah has been witnessing the largest and most ambitious expansion project in the history of the Grand Mosque.
This initiative comes as part of a comprehensive vision to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and worshippers,
and to provide them with the highest levels of comfort and safety during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
It stands as the largest expansion ever carried out in terms of area, infrastructure, and architectural development.
Key Features of the Expansion:
Main Expansion:
Over 300,000 square meters of additional space have been added to the northern side of the mosque.
This has increased the mosque’s capacity to more than 2 million worshippers at once.
Outer Courtyards:
Multi-level courtyards were built for prayer and crowd management, equipped with moving walkways and escalators for easier access,
especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Facilities and Services:
The project includes hundreds of modern restrooms, advanced air conditioning systems,
smart lighting and sound technologies, and a tunnel network connecting pedestrians directly to the mosque.
Smart Gates:
More than 100 electronically operated gates were installed, featuring high-tech security systems managed through a central control room to ensure safe access and crowd regulation.
Sustainable Energy:
The expansion integrates environmental conservation technologies, including solar energy usage, energy-saving lighting, and a comprehensive waste management system.
Construction Highlights:
Thousands of engineers and workers from various nationalities have participated in this massive project,
under the supervision of major governmental and engineering bodies.
The latest construction technologies were used to ensure high quality and timely execution while preserving the spiritual and Islamic identity of the holy site.
Significance of the Expansion:
This monumental project reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to serving pilgrims and enhancing the overall religious experience.
It also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to increase the number of pilgrims and Umrah visitors,
ensuring that the Grand Mosque continues to meet the needs of Muslims from around the world for generations to come.
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