Latest news with #ThirdSaudiExpansion
Saudi Gazette
28-03-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Red Crescent conducts first air evacuation from Grand Mosque after launch of new helipad
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has carried out the first-ever air medical evacuation from the Grand Mosque, following the inauguration of the new air ambulance helipad at the Third Saudi Expansion. The move marks a major milestone in enhancing emergency medical services for pilgrims. The critical mission was launched after a patient suffering from angina was brought to the Haram Emergency Hospital. After receiving initial care, the patient was transferred by air ambulance to King Abdullah Medical City for further treatment, in line with the highest medical standards for critical cases. This new capability significantly boosts emergency response times within the Grand Mosque, as the newly established helipad allows for rapid airlift of urgent cases to specialized hospitals — ensuring life-saving care is delivered swiftly and efficiently. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure within the Grand Mosque, ensuring top-tier medical services for pilgrims, especially during the busy Hajj and Umrah seasons when millions of visitors converge on Makkah.
Zawya
27-03-2025
- General
- Zawya
Makkah Grand Mosque's skyline seen without cranes for first time in 15 years
MAKKAH — In an incredible scene unseen in one and a half decades, the Grand Mosque in Makkah witnessed the removal of the remaining cranes after almost completing the largest ever expansion in its history. Since the start of work on the Third Saudi Expansion in June 2010, these cranes have remained a part of the Grand Mosque's skyline. At present, their removal marks the completion of key phases of the project, which aims to accommodate increasing numbers of worshippers and visitors from around the world. These cranes performed their assigned work on the expansion project, which is more than 95 percent complete. The presence of cranes is therefore not essential to completing the remaining portion of the project. In the midst of the Haram expansion work, a crane collapse accident occurred, claiming the lives of 111 worshipers and injury to several others. A huge crane crashed in the eastern courtyard of the Grand Mosque on September 11, 2015, causing material damage to the Grand Mosque structure. With the removal of the last cranes, the Grand Mosque enters a new phase, taking advantage of the full potential of the major expansion. As the Grand Mosque prepares to receive millions of visitors during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, this expansion remains a testament to the tremendous efforts made by Saudi Arabia to ensure Islam's holiest shrine is prepared to welcome its guests in the best possible manner. This is in keeping with its sanctity and its status in the hearts of Muslims around the world, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Saad Al-Qurashi, advisor of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, said that all cranes in the Grand Mosque have been removed. The removal of the cranes is appropriate during these times when Makkah is witnessing a large influx of Umrah pilgrims, he said while emphasizing the importance of the Third Saudi Expansion, which will accommodate more than two million worshippers. He noted that this is compatible with the significant increase in the number of pilgrims, which peaks during the final days of the holy month. "Cooperation between all relevant authorities contributes to the smooth entry and exit of pilgrims after completing the ritual," he pointed out. The Third Saudi Expansion is the largest ever expansion of the Grand Mosque since the founding of the Saudi state. It aims to increase the capacity of worshippers from 670,000 to more than 1.28 million at a time. The project, initiated by King Abdullah, was undertaken successfully under the guidance and follow up of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This comes as part of the Saudi leadership's efforts to provide the best ever possible services to the guests of God and ensure their comfort while performing the rituals. The architectural design of the Third Saudi Expansion reflects the spirit of the place, as the expansion spans a vast area, starting 200 meters from the center of the Holy Kaaba and extending to a depth of 684 meters. This includes a main building housing multiple prayer rooms, in addition to the southern bridges connecting it to the Mataf building, and the northern bridges that facilitate the flow of worshippers. It also includes a vital services building and surrounding plazas, which have been developed to accommodate the largest possible number of visitors. The expansion project's built-up area increased to 1.564 million square meters, up from 414,000 square meters, doubling the area allocated for prayer to 912,000 square meters. The expansion also saw a significant increase in service facilities, with the number of toilets increasing from 3,515 to 16,726, and ablution facilities from 2,479 to 12,639. The cooling systems were also enhanced, reaching a capacity of 199,000 tons of refrigeration, compared to 39,000 tons earlier. The expansion building combines modern technology with a rich Islamic style, featuring movable and fixed domes, luxurious glass doors and windows studded with hundreds of crystals, and ornate metal lattices (mashrabiya) that reflect the spirit of Islamic architecture. The building's walls are also decorated with Qur'anic inscriptions spanning an area of 2,700 square meters, lending the space a special spirituality that inspires worshipers upon their entry into the mosque. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
26-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Makkah Grand Mosque's skyline seen without cranes for first time in 15 years
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — In an incredible scene unseen in one and a half decades, the Grand Mosque in Makkah witnessed the removal of the remaining cranes after almost completing the largest ever expansion in its history. Since the start of work on the Third Saudi Expansion in June 2010, these cranes have remained a part of the Grand Mosque's skyline. At present, their removal marks the completion of key phases of the project, which aims to accommodate increasing numbers of worshippers and visitors from around the world. These cranes performed their assigned work on the expansion project, which is more than 95 percent complete. The presence of cranes is therefore not essential to completing the remaining portion of the project. In the midst of the Haram expansion work, a crane collapse accident occurred, claiming the lives of 111 worshipers and injury to several others. A huge crane crashed in the eastern courtyard of the Grand Mosque on September 11, 2015, causing material damage to the Grand Mosque structure. With the removal of the last cranes, the Grand Mosque enters a new phase, taking advantage of the full potential of the major expansion. As the Grand Mosque prepares to receive millions of visitors during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, this expansion remains a testament to the tremendous efforts made by Saudi Arabia to ensure Islam's holiest shrine is prepared to welcome its guests in the best possible manner. This is in keeping with its sanctity and its status in the hearts of Muslims around the world, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Saad Al-Qurashi, advisor of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, said that all cranes in the Grand Mosque have been removed. The removal of the cranes is appropriate during these times when Makkah is witnessing a large influx of Umrah pilgrims, he said while emphasizing the importance of the Third Saudi Expansion, which will accommodate more than two million worshippers. He noted that this is compatible with the significant increase in the number of pilgrims, which peaks during the final days of the holy month. "Cooperation between all relevant authorities contributes to the smooth entry and exit of pilgrims after completing the ritual," he pointed Third Saudi Expansion is the largest ever expansion of the Grand Mosque since the founding of the Saudi state. It aims to increase the capacity of worshippers from 670,000 to more than 1.28 million at a time. The project, initiated by King Abdullah, was undertaken successfully under the guidance and follow up of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This comes as part of the Saudi leadership's efforts to provide the best ever possible services to the guests of God and ensure their comfort while performing the architectural design of the Third Saudi Expansion reflects the spirit of the place, as the expansion spans a vast area, starting 200 meters from the center of the Holy Kaaba and extending to a depth of 684 meters. This includes a main building housing multiple prayer rooms, in addition to the southern bridges connecting it to the Mataf building, and the northern bridges that facilitate the flow of worshippers. It also includes a vital services building and surrounding plazas, which have been developed to accommodate the largest possible number of expansion project's built-up area increased to 1.564 million square meters, up from 414,000 square meters, doubling the area allocated for prayer to 912,000 square meters. The expansion also saw a significant increase in service facilities, with the number of toilets increasing from 3,515 to 16,726, and ablution facilities from 2,479 to 12,639. The cooling systems were also enhanced, reaching a capacity of 199,000 tons of refrigeration, compared to 39,000 tons expansion building combines modern technology with a rich Islamic style, featuring movable and fixed domes, luxurious glass doors and windows studded with hundreds of crystals, and ornate metal lattices (mashrabiya) that reflect the spirit of Islamic architecture. The building's walls are also decorated with Qur'anic inscriptions spanning an area of 2,700 square meters, lending the space a special spirituality that inspires worshipers upon their entry into the mosque.
Saudi Gazette
24-03-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Test landing of air ambulance for evacuation of patients from Grand Mosque to hospitals
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has successfully conducted test landing of an emergency air ambulance on a newly constructed helipad located within the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The air ambulance is designated to evacuate patients from the Grand Mosque and transport them to nearby hospitals for treatment during the peak pilgrimage season. The modern helipad has been meticulously designed to accommodate air ambulance operations, ensuring swift patient evacuation and transport to nearby hospitals. A video clip published by the Emirate of Makkah showed the air ambulance landing on the courtyard of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque. The aircraft was fully equipped, including a medical stretcher and vital signs monitors, before taking off en route to the hospital. This was a trial run for the service before its implementation. This initiative is particularly crucial during peak pilgrimage seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj when the mammoth gathering of pilgrims can potentially strain existing medical resources significantly. This dedicated air ambulance service is set to minimize response times and provide urgent care for those in need of emergency medical services.
Saudi Gazette
19-03-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Haram Authority provides low-calorie meals to guests of God in Grand Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has provided various types of Iftar meals in the Grand Mosque for the guests of God. These include low-calorie meals, which accounts for 20% of the meals for individuals and 30% for the meals of charitable organizations and endowments. These meals contain basic items while taking into account calorie requirement, in addition to healthy meals designated for people with disabilities, those with chronic diseases, and special cases. The authority stated that the meals were distributed in the King Fahd Expansion and the Third Saudi Expansion, and were prepared under the supervision of a medical team from the Shifaa Association to ensure their suitability of the meals for the target groups. This service aims to care for the guests of God and consider their health conditions by providing free, high-quality meals so that those visiting the Grand Mosque can enjoy an atmosphere of comfort and reassurance.
