JEDDAH, 28 May 2008 — Led by an expansion of the Grand Mosque, six real estate projects are being implemented in the central region of Makkah at a total cost of SR50 billion. Analysts said the new projects, to be completed within 10 years, would change the face of the holy city and create more housing, transport and living facilities for pilgrims and residents.
The expansion of the mosque, ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, has resulted in the demolition of 1,000 properties in the Shamiya area. A reported SR6-billion fund has been established to compensate owners of properties that were taken over by eminent domain in order to greatly expand the courtyard space near the mosque.
The Shamiya project is designed to provide more prayer space on the north of the mosque and facilitate transportation of pilgrims. A large number of hotels and furnished apartments will be constructed in the area, which will also have more public utility services.
Another project near the mosque, called the Jabal Khandama project, is located east of the mosque and will include a number of hotel towers. About 15 percent of the 150,000 square meters of this project will be allocated for Makkah residents.
Jabal Omar is another giant project, located to the southwest of the mosque. The flattening of the hills in this area has already commenced and will result in a new residential district. This 230,000-square-meter area will include hotels, residential towers, shopping complexes and public service facilities. Jabal Omar will offer residential facilities for 100,000 people, air-conditioned prayer facilities that will accommodate 100,000 and open prayer space for 120,000.
The expansion of the area surrounding Ajyad Hospital, southeast of the mosque, will include the construction of an advanced hospital and a medical center in addition to first aid and emergency facilities.
The new King Abdul Aziz Ring Road, east of the mosque aims at facilitating transport of residents and pilgrims coming to the mosque. The project is designed taking future transport requirements into account. The four-kilometer long, 80-meter wide road will be linked with the Jeddah Expressway.
Another major project is under implementation to develop the Hijrah region, south of the mosque. It will increase prayer space from 1,170 to 30,000 square meters and provide parking space to more than 1,000 cars. The northern gate project, including a large tower, is another major project coming up close to the mosque.
The total area of courtyards around the world’s largest and most important mosque is estimated at more than 40,000 square meters, which can accommodate at least 100,000 worshippers.
