Masjid al-Haram to Get Fourth Floor of Mataf for Hajj

TEHRAN (IQNA) - Putting final touches on preparations to receive millions of pilgrims from around the world, Saudi officials in Makkah have revealed that the fourth floor or mataf or circumambulation area around the Kaaba, will be ready before Hajj next September.

“We have increased the capacity of the mataf in Masjid al-Haram," Sultan Al-Qurashi, projects manager at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said.

"It was the third phase of the Expansion Project. Pilgrims this Hajj season will have four floors to circumambulate the Kaaba,” Al-Qurashi added.

According to the Saudi official, the Grand Mosque in Makkah will have four floors of mataf by early September.

Currently, the construction of the third floor has been completed, with a total area of 76,000 sq. Meters.
He added that the construction is going on for the ceiling.

With the new expansions, the Grand Mosque has the capacity to accommodate around 114,000 pilgrims an hour.

“All construction work in the Masjid al-Haram will stop on Sept. 9 to allow pilgrims to enter the Mosque and perform the rituals comfortably. Work will resume on Oct. 14 to construct the three main gates,” said Al-Qurashi.

Over the past few years, the Saudi government has carried out several projects to develop and expand Makkah to have more pilgrims.

Source: On Islam