Newly completed sections of the Grand Mosque in Makkah have been opened for worshippers, easing pressure on the holy site as Umrah numbers climb. The opening creates additional space for at least 500,000 worshippers, offering relief during the busiest prayer times.

According to Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz approved the opening of finished areas of the King Abdullah Haram Expansion Project for use by the growing number of Umrah pilgrims and worshippers. The decision puts long-built infrastructure to work for pilgrims at a time of rising demand.

Part of the largest expansion in the mosque's history

The newly opened areas form part of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque, one of the largest development projects ever undertaken at the holy site. The expansion is driven by the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and is supervised during construction by the Ministry of Finance.

The scale of the project is striking. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the expansion increases the footprint from 414,000 square meters to roughly 1.564 million square meters. The prayer area nearly doubles, growing from 390,000 to 912,000 square meters. The project is built with future growth in mind, allowing prayer floors and corridors to be added so the mosque can keep serving ever-larger numbers of worshippers.

Better facilities for pilgrims

The expansion delivers major improvements in everyday amenities that matter to pilgrims. The number of restrooms is set to increase from 3,515 to 16,726, while ablution facilities grow from 2,479 to 12,639. Cooling capacity receives a substantial upgrade, rising from 39,000 to 199,000 refrigeration tons to keep worshippers comfortable in Makkah's intense heat.

The design pairs function with beauty. The expansion features movable and fixed glass domes, intricate glass facades, and exterior metal mashrabiyyas that create a striking interplay of light and color. Quranic calligraphy spanning 2,700 square meters enriches the space. The work is intended to ensure worshippers can perform their rites comfortably and safely throughout the year.

What it means for pilgrims

For pilgrims performing Umrah this season, the additional capacity should make crowded periods more manageable, particularly around the five daily prayers and at night when the mosque fills. More prayer space, restrooms, and ablution areas reduce congestion and waiting times.

  • Arrive early for peak prayers. Even with the new space, the area closest to the Kaaba fills quickly, so plan extra time before congregational prayers.
  • Use the newly opened sections. Following crowd guidance and signage toward the expanded areas can help avoid the most congested zones.
  • Stay hydrated and cool. The upgraded cooling helps, but Makkah's summer heat remains demanding, so carry water and rest when needed.
  • Follow official instructions. Crowd management staff direct worshippers to available space, and cooperating with them keeps movement safe for everyone.

The opening of these sections reflects a long-running effort to match the capacity of Islam's holiest site to the steady growth in pilgrim numbers, ensuring that more of the faithful can pray within the Grand Mosque in comfort and safety.