73 PERCENT OF EXPANSION WORK AT GRAND MOSQUE COMPLETED

Mecca, 15 Jumadil Akhir 1436/4 April 2015 (MINA) – Construction work at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is in full swing and the projects are expected to be completed before the Holy month of Ramadan.

The projects administration director, Sultan bin Aati Al-Qurashi, said 73 percent of the work has been completed, Arab News quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The mega projects, ordered by the late King Abdullah, include expansion of the Grand Mosque, which is in the third and final stage.

He said the work is being carried out in coordination with Abdulrahman Al-Sudias, chief of the Presidency of the Holy Mosques Affiars.

Al-Qurashi said the projects were in three stages and have been divided into three years. The first one, launched on Nov. 29, 2012, includes Al-Safa to Al-Fatah Gate, the second from Al-Fatah Gate to Al-Umrah Gate and the third stage from the King Fahd Gate to Al-Safa.

Al Qurashi said painting and decoration works already started in the beginning of this year.

The works also include a mezzanine floor designed for push-chairs for those with special needs, he said.

A light base was established at the Al-Umrah Gate with columns and domes on the Abbasid porch on the northern side, Al-Qurashi added. . (T/P001/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)