RIYADH: A team of more than 2,000 cleaners are working around the clock over four different shifts to keep the grand Mosque in Makkah spotless during Ramadan.
The workers manage to clean the entire holy mosque in just 45 minutes and scrubbing the white marble courtyard surrounding the Kaaba takes half an hour. Cleaning does not hinder the large amount of worshippers and visitors to the mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Thirty special electric vehicles, sixty-seven machines and 400 liters of water are used to clean the courtyard surrounding the Kaaba.
A number of pilgrims and visitors to the mosque praised the efficiency of the cleaning services. Mohammed Asif, from Bangladesh, said that he was very happy with the excellent services provided and that the level of cleanliness was very high.
He told SPA he was impressed with the organised and fast way the floors of the mosque were cleaned, and the use of large amounts of rose and oud fragrance to give the mosque a pleasant smell.
Small army of workers keep Makkah’s Grand Mosque courtyard clean during Ramadan
Small army of workers keep Makkah’s Grand Mosque courtyard clean during Ramadan
King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit
- Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.
One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.
The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.
The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader.
Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.
