MAKKAH: The Mataf expansion project at the Grand Mosque in Makkah has received royal approval to be named “The Saudi Riwaq.” The announcement was made by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Dr. Al-Sudais stated that The Saudi Riwaq, encompassing the Mataf expansion project behind the Abbasid courtyard and surrounding the Holy Kaaba’s courtyard, was established to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims.
The project was initiated by King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and its construction began in 1955 during the reign of King Saud. Subsequent monarchs, including King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman, continued to develop the project.
The Saudi Riwaq comprises four floors and has the capacity to accommodate a total of 287,000 worshippers, enabling 107,000 pilgrims per hour. The expansion has provided additional high-quality space for worshippers.
Utilization of heat-resistant marbles in Mataf area
The utilization of heat-resistant marbles in the Mataf area has brought about a significant improvement in the movement of circumambulation, enhancing the comfort and smoothness of the process.
Dr. Al-Sudais emphasized that the achievements seen in the Grand Mosque today, compared to its previous state before the establishment of the Saudi state, demonstrate the immense support and care of the kings of the Kingdom, coupled with the grace of Allah.
Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh expressed his gratitude to the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques for their dedicated efforts.
