The Third Saudi Expansion: Facts and Figures about the Services of the Grand Mosque
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its great efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques through the third Saudi expansion of the Grand Mosque, which is the largest in the history of the ancient mosque. This expansion represents a qualitative civilizational and architectural leap aimed at accommodating the increasing numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers, while providing them with the utmost comfort and tranquility to perform their worship in a spiritual atmosphere prepared with the highest international standards.
Huge numbers reflect the scale of the achievement
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques revealed astonishing details regarding the scale of the expansion and its accompanying services. The total area of the expansion is approximately 1,214,000 square meters , a vast area equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. To ensure a cool and refreshing atmosphere amidst the high temperatures, the expansion is equipped with cooling stations with a capacity of up to 90,000 tons of refrigeration .
With meticulous attention to detail, the expansion area was furnished with over 25,000 luxurious carpets, and 17,000 containers of blessed Zamzam water were distributed to ensure access for everyone. The service facilities also included 11,436 restrooms and ablution areas , in addition to the installation of a state-of-the-art sound system comprising 1,300 speakers to guarantee clear sound throughout the entire expansion.
Historical context and cultural depth
This expansion is the latest in a series of historical expansions of the Grand Mosque since the reign of its founder, King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – and continuing through the reigns of subsequent kings of the Kingdom who have given the Two Holy Mosques their utmost attention. This third expansion is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the Islamic world is witnessing a remarkable increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque, making it essential to find innovative engineering solutions to accommodate this population density while preserving the spiritual character of the place.
Integrated facilities and smooth flow of movement
To ensure easy movement for worshippers and their access to the various levels of the expansion, the building has been equipped with a massive vertical and horizontal transportation system that includes:
- 428 escalators.
- 28 state-of-the-art elevators.
- 458 water fountains.
- 80 doors to facilitate entry and exit.
120 prayer areas are distributed across several levels, including the ground floor, first floor, second floor, first and second mezzanines, and extending to the roof. This ingenious architectural design ensures a smooth flow of crowds, especially during peak times in Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Strategic importance and alignment with Vision 2030
The importance of the third Saudi expansion extends beyond its architectural significance; it is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually. This massive project reflects the wise leadership's commitment to harnessing all available material, human, and technological resources to serve the pilgrims and develop a smarter and more sustainable service system.
24/7 operational readiness
The authority confirmed that all facilities and services in the expansion are operating according to well-defined operational plans, with human efforts integrated with technical and engineering systems to ensure full readiness 24 hours a day. This integrated system aims to provide a safe and accessible worship environment, enabling worshippers to perform their rituals with devotion and tranquility, while continuously working to improve the visitor experience and develop the services provided.
