Multi-billion-riyal project aimed to increase the mosque’s capacity
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For the first time in over a decade, there are no cranes around Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
For the first time in over a decade, there are no cranes around Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
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Dubai: For the first time in over a decade, the skyline of Mecca’s Grand Mosque stands unobstructed — free of the towering construction cranes that have long defined its silhouette.
The last of the cranes, symbols of one of the largest expansion projects in the mosque’s history, was removed this week, signalling the completion of the Third Saudi Expansion.
Launched in June 2010, the multi-billion-riyal project, now 95% complete, aimed to significantly increase the mosque’s capacity to accommodate the growing number of worshippers visiting from around the world, particularly during the peak seasons of Hajj and Umrah.
Pilgrims arriving during the final days of Ramadan this year witnessed a transformed Haram — its new architecture fully revealed, its facilities vastly expanded, and its space prepared to welcome millions more worshippers in comfort and safety.
“This is a significant moment,” said Saad Al Qurashi, advisor to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah under the Saudi Chambers Union. “Removing the cranes is timely, especially as Mecca receives a surge of pilgrims during the last ten days of Ramadan. The expansion, which accommodates more than two million worshippers, is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of God.”
The Third Saudi Expansion, the largest since the founding of modern Saudi Arabia, was implemented under the direction of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It aims to raise the mosque’s capacity from 670,000 to over 1.28 million worshippers at once.
Spanning a vast area beginning 200 metres from the Kaaba and extending over 684 meters in depth, the expansion includes multiple new prayer halls, critical infrastructure such as service buildings, and redesigned southern and northern bridges to streamline pilgrim movement.
According to project figures, the built-up area of the Grand Mosque has increased from 414,000 square meters to over 1.56 million square meters. Prayer space alone has expanded to 912,000 square meters. Support facilities have seen dramatic upgrades: restrooms rose from 3,515 to 16,726, and ablution areas from 2,479 to 12,639. Cooling systems were also significantly enhanced, increasing total capacity from 39,000 tons of refrigeration to 199,000 tons.
Architecturally, the expansion blends traditional Islamic design with modern engineering. The new structures feature both fixed and retractable domes, ornate metallic mashrabiyas, crystal-adorned windows, and over 2,700 square metres of intricately inscribed Quranic calligraphy along the walls—creating a spiritual atmosphere befitting Islam’s holiest site.
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