The Grand Mosque in Makkah. Image: Bigstock/ zurijeta
Huge umbrellas planned for Makkah
MAKKAH , August 24, 2017
Saudi Arabia will install huge folding umbrellas in Makkah next year to protect pilgrims from the heat, a senior official has been quoted as saying.
Design works on the umbrella project for the Makkah Grand Mosque courtyards have been completed, said Major General Muhammad Al-Ahmadi, commander of Grand Mosque security forces.
The umbrellas will cover 53 x 53 m, making them the largest in the world, a report in Saudi Gazette said.
The Grand Mosque roof will also have these umbrellas, he said.
The mataf expansion project, which was completed this year, will accommodate more pilgrims and provide them with more comfort and ease, he said.
“All Makkah sites as well as the Holy sites are monitored by 5,900 surveillance cameras that are linked with the Unified National Center and the Grand Mosque Operations Room. We have installed more advanced technology this year,” he added.
