Plan for mataf expansion

MAKKAH, 22 July  — The King Fahd Institute for Haj Research will soon submit a plan for the expansion of mataf, or the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba, to the concerned authorities.  The plan will enhance the capacity of the area to 75,000 pilgrims per hour from the current average of 45,000 per hour, the Okaz newspaper reported yesterday quoting Dr. Osama Al-Barr, dean of the institute. The Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah has renovated the silver frame around the Black Stone on the Kaaba wall. (AN)