REVAMP: Masjidil Haram will be able to accommodate up to 2
million people
MECCA: MECCA, one of Islam's holiest cities, is being turned into a smart city through a massive
upgrading exercise carried out by the Saudi Arabian government since the end of last year's haj season.
The plan, which includes upgrading housing, transport, shopping areas and historical sites, will ensure
Muslims the world over enjoy a safe journey when performing haj or umrah in the holy city.
Mecca Mayor Dr Osama Al-Bar said as part of the plan to make Mecca a modern city, two mega projects
were being undertaken, as well as special projects, such as the expansion of the Masjidil Haram (Grand
Mosque).
He said the first project was to complete all road construction that had started in 2010 and is expected to
be completed by 2017.
"Another project is the public transport network for metro lines and buses. The metro network will consist
of four lines. Hopefully, the first phase of the execution will start in June next year.
"The total link of the network is around 182km and it will have 88 stations. That will cover all of Mecca
from north to south and east to west."
He said two-thirds of the metro lines would be over ground while one-third, around the central area and
near Masjidil Haram, would be underground.
As for Masjidil Haram, Al-Bar said after parts of the mosque had been expanded last year, it could now
accommodate 400,000 people wishing to pray here.
The three-year expansion work started just after the haj season in mid-November last year. Once the
expansion project is completed, capacity will be increased from more than 1.5 million people to almost
two million.
The mayor believes the expansion would be able to accommodate the congregation for at least 20 years.
"There is an increasing number of Muslims coming here from all over the world for haj and umrah as the
financial situation of Muslim states and our Muslim brothers is good.
"This is the most comprehensive expansion for the Masjidil Haram in history. When King Abdullah was
appointed King of Saudi Arabia in 2005, the first project he started was the expansion of the mas'aa (an
area to perform saie).
"The project was completed two years ago. After that, the capacity of the mas'aa was increased from
28,000 pilgrims per hour to 130,000."
Al-Bar said increasing the capacity of the mataf, the area to perform the tawaf around the Ka'aba, had
also become crucial.
"This is a new project. When completed, the mataf can accommodate 48,000 to 130,000 pilgrims per
hour."
On the project for a high-speed train between Medina and Mecca which would be completed in two years'
time, Al-Bar said it would reduce travel time to two hours compared with five hours by road.
"Mecca and Medina are always special. King Abdullah, as the custodian of the two holy cities, knows
these are the most important places for Muslims.
"It is an opportunity to help our fellow Muslims in their journey when they perform haj or umrah. This is an
investment for the future for all Muslims, and not only for Saudi Arabians. Saudis represent only a small
portion." Bernama
Read more: Mecca's smart city move - General - New Straits
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