The number of workers to expand mataf (the circumambulation areas around the Holy Ka’aba in Makkah) will be increased to about 8,000.

The project began with 4,000 workers, Abdul Mohsen Al-Hamid, director of projects and studies at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques told Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper.

He said this was necessary to accomplish the eastern part of the project on time and according to schedule. Engineers and technicians are working around the clock to finish the eastern part of the mataf despite its being crowded with pilgrims.

One of the workers on the project said, “The mataf area has also been strengthened so the floor will tolerate the weight of additional pilgrims.”