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Saudi Arabia launches third expansion of grand mosque in Makkah

Xinhua, July 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Saudi Arabia launched the third expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims from all over the world, especially during Hajj season, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi launched five projects of the current and final expansion for the Grand Mosque, including expansion of the main building, squares, tunnels, services building and first ring road.

"The expansion includes 1.47 million square meters, with accommodation of more than 1.6 million worshipers and 78 gates at the ground floor," said an official of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.

The mosque can accommodate more than three million worshipers in one hour, after the conclusion of the current and final expansion. Endit