The General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Affairs has approved this year’s Ramadan plan that will facilitate the arrival of Umrah pilgrims, the presidency’s head Abdulrahman Al-Sudais told the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Sudais said the plan has taken into account the increase in space thanks to the ongoing Grand Mosque expansion project of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, allowing over 200,000 people to pray on the ground floor.
He also said final touches are being given to the expanded central section and that the construction work of bridges and terraces are being completed.
He added all the new buildings are built in keeping with the current architectural style of the mosque.
He said new toilets at the Ajiad Hospital area would be ready for use before Ramadan, in addition to 12,500 new toilets that will be added later.
Al-Sudais said the mosque’s open areas would be cooled by water coolers and basements air-conditioned in addition to ensuring prayer-mats are vacuumed.
He also said 18,000 Zamzam water taps and containers have been set up all around the two holy mosques. He said the presidency is giving attention also to the provision of religious lectures and guiding visitors using recorded sessions 24 hours a day. The plan would also focus on the best ways to deal with Shariah violations, directing women to their designated areas and preventing aisles from being blocked.
He said wheelchairs are provided to the visitors for free and electric ones are available to rent.
Haram additions ‘in harmony with current style’
