Final Phase of the Expansion of the Mataf begins

Makkah – With the departure of almost all Hajj pilgrims, hundreds of workers and engineers swung into action on Monday to mark the beginning of the third and final phase of the expansion of the Mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba).

They started removing lamps and electrical appliances from the remaining old structure of the Grand Mosque, overlooking the Mataf, from Safa to King Abdulaziz Gate to make way for completion of the Mataf expansion by the end of the new Hijri year. Meanwhile, demolition of the raised platform to call for prayer at the mosque will begin early next week as part of the Mataf expansion. The location was built 36 years ago during the period of King Khaled. Adhan (call for prayer) will be performed at the new location, spreading over 100 square meters and equipped with high-tech digital sound system. The location will also house systems for sound command and control and television recording.