Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques, said the capacity of the Grand Mosque has been increased to accommodate an additional 200,000 people.
The ground floor of the King Abdullah Expansion Project for worship was opened, increasing the mosque’s capacity.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has issued directives to make partial use of the project from last Friday, the first day of Ramadan.
Al-Sudais said Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the holy mosque would be able to use the expansion project for the first time this Ramadan. “As part of the ongoing largest ever expansion of the holy mosque, 12,500 new toilets will be constructed,” he added.
Speaking to Al-Madinah newspaper, Al-Sudais said construction work on the terraces, bridges and other facilities at the project are nearing completion. Highly advanced mechanical and electrical systems are being used for the project. The new courtyards have been prepared to accommodate the huge number of Umrah pilgrims and visitors during the holy month, he said, adding smoking, selling of goods and begging are prohibited in the courtyards.
Air-conditioning for a part of the mosque’s basement has also been completed, Al-Sudais said.
The presidency chief said the project for setting up 250 sprinkler fans as well as laying heat resistant marble on the mosque’s courtyard has been implemented. A total 8,000 employees and workers were involved in implementing the presidency’s Ramadan plan. They include presidency officials, guides, as well as workers for cleaning, maintenance and operations.
Arrangements have also been made to deliver Islamic guidance classes for pilgrims in addition to answering their questions.
Prominent Islamic scholars, including members of the Senior Scholars’ Commission, are leading classes at the mosque.
Regarding his future as imam and khateeb of the holy mosque after being appointed head of the presidency, Al-Sudais said leading prayers at the Grand Mosque was a great honor and responsibility unlike any other.
“Both posts are big missions that entail great responsibilities and hard work.
“I am exerting all efforts to accomplish these missions as best as I can with the grace of the Almighty Allah.”
He added the public would not allow him to relinquish the post of imam.
Grand Mosque can now hold an additional 200,000 worshippers
Grand Mosque can now hold an additional 200,000 worshippers
Rebuilding lives: Saudi initiative gives fresh hope to amputees
- Baitureh Health Association has provided life-changing support to more than 1,000 people
- Prosthetic limbs can cost up to $76,000
MAKKAH: The Baitureh Health Association for the Care of Amputees has quickly become one of Saudi Arabia’s most impactful humanitarian initiatives, transforming support for people with lost limbs.
Established in 2020, the association deals with people’s physical, psychological and social needs and fills a long-standing gap in the national health system.
CEO Badr bin Alyan told Arab News that the initiative was created in response to a growing need, driven by amputations linked to accidents, blood disorders, occupational injuries and other causes.
Its operations were “based on service integration rather than fragmentation, enabling beneficiaries to return to their lives with confidence, ability and independence,” he said.
This holistic process covers everything from initial evaluations to psychological and physical rehabilitation, family support, prosthetic fitting and ongoing maintenance.
Its psychological support programs include group sessions led by certified mentors who have undergone similar experiences, as well as field visits to support patients before and after amputation.
More than 1,000 people across the Kingdom have so far benefitted from the association’s work, about 10 percent of them children, whom Alyan said were “the most sensitive and the most in need of intensive psychological and family support.”
Its specialist programs for children — My First Step and Therapeutic Entertainment — help young people adapt to prosthetics, overcome trauma and build confidence in a safe and supportive setting.
The association has completed more than 300 prosthetic fittings, including silicone cosmetic limbs, mechanical, hydraulic, electronic and 3D-printed models.
Alyan said the type of prosthetic selected depended on a number of factors, such as age, lifestyle, type of amputation, activity level and psychological readiness.
Children also have to undergo frequent adjustments to their new limbs to account for their growth.
Each prosthetic cost between SR20,000 ($5,300) and SR285,000, Alyan said.
The association funds its work through sponsorships, community contributions and strategic partnerships.
Despite its success, Alyan said there were still challenges to be faced, including the lack of a consolidated base for the provision of psychological support and therapy services and prosthetics development and maintenance.
There was also a shortage of local experts, he said.
In response, the association set up a rehabilitation center, which Alyan said would help to localize prosthetics manufacturing, reduce costs and accelerate fitting processes and create opportunities for local experts to develop their knowledge and experience.
But providing prosthetics was only part of the association’s work, he said.
“Rebuilding a human life is the deeper goal.”
