Grand Mosque expansion advances as King Salman Gate takes shape
Saudi Arabia is advancing major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, raising capacity toward 1.85 million worshippers, alongside the vast new King Salman Gate project.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 Nov 2026, 10:28 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia is advancing major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, raising capacity toward 1.85 million worshippers, alongside the vast new King Salman Gate project.
Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with plans for a dedicated Makkah airport and metro network, alongside expanded facilities around the Grand Mosque and in the holy sites, to handle rising numbers of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The authority for the Two Holy Mosques has expanded services for elderly and disabled worshippers at the Grand Mosque, adding dedicated passages, electric transport for Tawaf and Sa'i, and accessible prayer areas.
The National Centre for Meteorology forecasts above-average August temperatures and stronger winds across Saudi Arabia, prompting heat-safety guidance for Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
Saudi Arabia is building an 8.5 million square metre Waste Processing City south of Mecca, due for completion by the end of 2027, to serve the holy city and its pilgrims for up to 60 years.
The General Authority has launched a QR-code crowd-tracking service at the Grand Mosque, letting pilgrims check congestion in the Mataf and Masaa before performing Tawaf and Sai.
Parliament's approval lays the groundwork for further Turkish involvement in Saudi Arabia's conflict with the Houthis.
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