Makkah – In a historic transformation, the skyline of the Grand Mosque in Makkah is now free of construction cranes for the first time in 15 years. The removal of the final cranes marks a significant milestone in the largest expansion project in the mosque’s history, which is now over 95% complete.
The Third Saudi Expansion, which commenced in June 2010, introduced an extensive development plan to accommodate the growing number of worshippers and visitors. The cranes had been a fixture of the holy site for more than a decade, playing a crucial role in the expansion work. With most of the construction completed, the need for cranes has significantly diminished, allowing the sacred mosque to regain its iconic, uninterrupted skyline.
The expansion project has not been without challenges. In 2015, a tragic accident occurred when a crane collapsed in the eastern courtyard of the mosque, claiming the lives of 111 worshippers and injuring many others. The incident led to widespread safety reviews and adjustments in the construction process.
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With the cranes now removed, the Grand Mosque enters a new era, fully embracing the benefits of its extensive expansion. This development is particularly crucial as Makkah prepares to welcome millions of worshippers for Hajj and Umrah. The completion of major construction phases ensures that pilgrims can perform their religious rituals with greater ease and comfort, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the facilities at Islam’s holiest site.
Saad Al-Qurashi, an advisor to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah under the Federation of Saudi Chambers, confirmed the removal of the cranes and highlighted its timely nature. “With Makkah experiencing a surge in Umrah pilgrims, the elimination of construction obstacles will ensure smoother movement within the Grand Mosque,” he stated. He also emphasized the significance of the Third Saudi Expansion, which is designed to accommodate over two million worshippers at peak times, particularly during the final days of Ramadan.
The Third Saudi Expansion is the most extensive development project undertaken at the Grand Mosque since the establishment of the Saudi state. Initially initiated by King Abdullah, the project has been diligently overseen by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their leadership has ensured that the expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of providing exceptional services to pilgrims from across the globe.
Spanning a vast area, the expansion extends 200 meters from the Holy Kaaba, reaching a depth of 684 meters. It features a main building with multiple prayer halls, southern bridges connecting to the Mataf (circumambulation) area, and northern bridges to enhance the flow of worshippers. Additionally, a vital services complex and upgraded external plazas have been incorporated to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
The expansion has significantly increased the built-up area from 414,000 square meters to an impressive 1.564 million square meters. This has nearly doubled the prayer space to 912,000 square meters, enhancing the capacity for worshippers. Service facilities have also seen substantial improvements, with the number of toilets increasing from 3,515 to 16,726 and ablution stations rising from 2,479 to 12,639. Cooling systems have been significantly upgraded, now offering a total capacity of 199,000 tons of refrigeration, a substantial increase from the previous 39,000 tons.
Architecturally, the expansion project harmoniously blends modern technology with traditional Islamic design elements. The structure boasts movable and fixed domes, exquisite glass doors and windows embedded with intricate crystals, and beautifully crafted metal mashrabiya screens. Furthermore, the walls are adorned with 2,700 square meters of Quranic inscriptions, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for worshippers entering the sacred site.
As the Grand Mosque prepares to welcome millions of worshippers in the coming pilgrimage seasons, the successful completion of this expansion stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving and enhancing Islam’s holiest sanctuary.