The Third Saudi Expansion of the Noble Prophet's Mosque refers to the geographical and architectural enhancements directed and initiated by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It was completed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This expansion is the largest in the history of the Prophet's Mosque and throughout the Islamic eras. Upon its completion, the capacity of the Prophet's Mosque will increase from one million worshipers to 1.8 million worshipers.
The inauguration of the expansion works and the laying of its foundation stone took place on September 24, 2012. A total of one hundred properties located within its scope were evacuated and demolished after compensating their owners. These properties were divided between the eastern and western sides of the Noble Prophet's Mosque.
Stages of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque
The Third Saudi Expansion was designed in a way that integrated it with the second Saudi expansion, forming a unified appearance distinguished by its architectural and aesthetic harmony and coherence. This was achieved by incorporating several modern elements, such as automated retractable glass ceilings that allow natural ventilation and lighting to enter the mosque, in addition to sharing the service systems related to air conditioning and ventilation.
Upon completion of the new expansion, there are plans to add ten towering minarets to the skyline of the Prophet's Mosque, in addition to developing the transportation system surrounding the mosque to facilitate the arrival of visitors and enhance the level of services provided to them.
The project includes implementing the eastern expansion of the Prophet's Mosque, covering an area of one hundred thousand m, and installing movable and fixed glass domes. These domes serve as outlets for the entry of air and light using modern architectural techniques. Electric stairs are also being installed, leading to the second floor, which can accommodate approximately 180,000 worshipers. The project also entails the installation of elevators specifically designed for the elderly and people with special needs. Moreover, an additional building for the expansion on the mosque's eastern side is being constructed, spanning an area of up to eighty-two thousand m.
Directions were given to manufacture and install umbrellas on the pillars of the courtyards of the Noble Prophet's Mosque. The total number of these umbrellas is 250, covering an area of 143,000 m from the courtyards surrounding the mosque on its four sides.
After its completion, the expansion will span an area of 1,020,500 m, encompassing both courtyards and covered buildings.
The capacity of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque
The expansion is being carried out in three phases. The first phase accommodates eight hundred thousand worshipers, while the second and third phases focus on expanding the external courtyards on both the western and eastern sides of the perimeter of the Noble Prophet's Mosque.
Overseeing the third Saudi expansion of the Noble Prophet's Mosque, whose construction work is still ongoing today, is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Projects associated with the Third Saudi Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque
Several projects are associated with the expansion project, including the Darb al-Sunnah Project, aimed at reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH) by walking between the Noble Prophet's Mosque and the Quba Mosque. This is one of the projects that falls within the scope of the expansion project. Its land spans five districts in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, namely: al-Awali, Qurban, al-Bahr, al-Jumu'ah, and al-Duwaimah.
The Darb al-Sunnah Project extends over a length of three km, starting from the south of the Prophet's Mosque and going up to the northern area surrounding the historic Quba Mosque. Additionally, it includes developed land plots that encompass a range of hotels and residential towers.
Among the projects associated with the Third Saudi Expansion of the Noble Prophet's Mosque is Dar al-Hijra Project for serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This project is part of the re-planning of the central area, providing more modern and advanced alternatives to the hotels that were removed in the expansion project and several facilities surrounding the Noble Prophet's Mosque.
Related quizzes
