Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, said yesterday the expansion project for mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) would increase its capacity to hold 150,000 pilgrims per hour.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the project, he said four weeks have been completed after starting work on the project. “Works have been intensified to complete the project on time as per schedule,” he said.
He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for giving his directives to implement the project as part of the government’s efforts to improve facilities for Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
He said the eastern part of the first Saudi expansion near the masaa (running area between Safa and Marwa mountains) and northern part close to Fatah Gate would be removed for the expansion.
“We’ll also remove the concrete construction on the eastern side, part of the historic colonnades that were built about seven years ago as part of mataf expansion in the second floor and terrace,” said Al-Sudais, who is also imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque.
He disclosed plans to keep the removed portions of the mosque in an exhibition of the two holy mosques, near the Kiswa Factory.
“The mataf expansion project will be completed in three phases in three years. The area for the handicapped will be separated from the pedestrians,” he said. The project includes light, sound and air conditioning systems.
“There will be a network of bridges and pedestrian pathways to reduce the crowding in the mosque,” he said. The work will also ensure maximum safety and cleanliness at the mataf and other parts of the mosque, he added.
The move, which has been welcomed by senior religious scholars, will considerably reduce the crowding, especially during Haj season.
A major feature of the expansion work includes linking the present mataf with the area outside the Grand Mosque. The area behind the Ottoman structure will be demolished and re-built with one basement, three floors and a roof, all without pillars and all for tawaf only.
King Abdullah last year launched the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque in history, which will increase the mosque’s capacity to more than 2.5 million worshippers and cost SR80 billion. The expansion’s main gate would be named after King Abdullah and will have two minarets, bringing the mosque’s total number of minarets to 11.
The new project, covering 400,000 sq. meters in the northwest and northeast of the mosque, is the project of the century, said Muhammad Al-Khozaim, vice president of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Affairs.
Sudais: Mataf expansion will help accommodate 150,000 faithful per hour
Sudais: Mataf expansion will help accommodate 150,000 faithful per hour
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
- This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
