Major schemes are underway to modernize the Holy Islamic city of Mecca. A shopping center and residential center are being built at the site of an Ottoman Fort, a move that caused some friction with Turkey. The multi-billion dollar construction efforts are aimed at doubling the number of pilgrims that can be accommodated in the area surrounding the Grand Mosque.
“Most of the buildings in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque are old and their capacity is limited in the face of fast-growing demand from Muslim visitors," a study prepared by a Mecca-based think tank revealed.
The plan, to be completed over the next few years, will allow the area to accommodate more than 1.2 million people, compared to the current half million. Under the new plan, vehicle parking capacity will expand to 45,000 vehicles from the current 585 spaces. New malls and markets are planned, and will occupy a space of 660,000 square meters. A modern hospital will also be constructed.
Meanwhile, a Jeddah organization intends to create a new pilgrim city and a 300-bed hospital near the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah in the service of pilgrims arriving by plane. (Albawaba.com)
