News from the Haramain Ash-Shareefain

[AabiruSabeel]

:bism:

:salamext:


This thread is dedicated to the news from Masjid Al-Haraam, Masjid An-Nabawi and the Masha'ir Al-Hajj.

[AabiruSabeel]

Work on mataf expansion begins



MAKKAH: Preliminary work for the expansion of the mataf (the circumambulation area around the Kaaba) started yesterday with the installation of huge cranes at the northeastern courtyard of the Grand Mosque. The contractor undertaking the expansion has sought the evacuation of preachers’ offices in the mataf and the command office of the Haram Security forces close to Al-Safa Gate.
The expansion is being undertaken on the basis of a study prepared by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Haj and Umrah Studies.

The study focuses on using the available space and potential of the mataf to the maximum while maintaining the architectural features of the Grand Mosque using advanced technology.

According to the study, the mataf will be separated from prayer areas and it will be linked to different floors of the mosque and facilitate entrance to and exit from the mataf. It will also takes care of the crowding at the entrances to the mataf and nearby passages and will also give direct access from the mataf to the masaa.

The mataf on the second and third floors will have cable cars to carry aged and disabled pilgrims and there will be direct access to these floors from outside. The topmost floor of the mataf will have automated walkway revolving around the Kaaba.
The study said the original mataf is a circle with a diameter of 95 meters.

Currently the capacity of the mataf is 28,000 pilgrims in an hour or four persons in a square meter area, though at peak days it rises to 40,000 people or six people in a square meter in an hour.

Muhammad Idris, who prepared the study, said the first Saudi expansion of the facility was undertaken 60 years ago and then roof was not made for prayers.

He said factors such as the change in the level of ground water and impact of salt on the foundation and the shaking caused by the rock blasts for the nearby projects are affecting the mosque building’s strength.

The study said many efforts have been made to strengthen the pillars of the building. The new project will also take steps to make the building tremor proof.

Authorities have made it clear that the new works will not affect the upcoming Umrah season.

Source: http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia...pansion-begins

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbCV6U2vF98

[Endymion]

:sl:

I heard that Masjidul haram get closed for two months every year for maintenance,is that right?Do they not issue visas after Hajj for two months.

[AabiruSabeel]

:wa:


No, Masjid Al-Haraam never gets closed.

Umrah visas are usually closed after Ramadhan until Muharram because this is the time for Hujjaj to come for Hajj. This year I don't know whether they will open the new Umrah visas as usual or delay them for a few months.

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[Pure Purple]

Sister endy inshaallah we will perform hajj in this new expanded mataf.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvfwIE7z1MY

[Endymion]

Inshallah :'( :jz: my sister :cry:

[A-Brother]

News Archive: OLD - http://www.imamu.edu.sa/sites/en/Pages/default.aspx

IMSIU to translate Friday Sermons

RIYADH: SHARIF M. TAHA
Thursday 19 July 2012
Last Update 19 July 2012 2:42 am

Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) and the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques recently signed a contract whereby the university will translate the Friday sermons into English.

IMSIU will undertake the translation task in collaboration with Prince Naif Institute for Studies and Consulting Services, an IMSIU affiliate.

IMSIU Rector Sulaiman bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail, who announced the project during the launching ceremony of a website for the Institute of Arabicization and Translation, said the institute should live up to the confidence reposed by the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques to the university.

Aba Al-Khail appreciated the efforts undertaken by the institute in the past and expressed the hope it would initiate more steps to enhance communication with the university, governmental sectors and other similar bodies inside and outside the Kingdom, which may seek such services.

He called on the parties concerned to reflect the true image of the Kingdom in other countries by translating books dealing with Islam and urged the institute to attract specialists and experts from inside and outside the university to serve the institute’s vision and objectives.

On his part, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyyan, the dean of the institute, said the institute aimed to express the international nature of the Saudi message through its translation efforts.

The institute also aims at conveying the achievements of Saudi scholars and scientists on Shariah, humanitarian, and social areas to beneficiaries all over the world in addition to realizing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ vision in boosting dialogue between followers of different religions and cultures, he pointed out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Move Under Way to Translate Friday Sermons for Expats

Author: Arab News
Saturday 31 March 2007

RIYADH, 31 March 2007 — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has announced that it is discussing plans to translate Friday sermons into other languages to appeal to non-Arab worshippers.

Tawfiq Al-Sudairi, deputy minister of Islamic affairs, told a local newspaper that the ministry is currently considering whether to implement the plan in areas where a high number of Asian workers live. He added that translating Friday sermons after the prayers has already begun in certain areas.

Al-Sudairi said that only approved translators would be allowed to translate the sermons, which are delivered by imams who have the freedom to choose their topics.

He added that the idea of specifying certain mosques for Asian expatriates where they can listen to Friday sermons in their own languages was merely a suggestion.

“Mosques are for everyone,” he said, adding that the languages of expatriates vary and is not just English.

Khaled Al-Mehaidib, a former imam in Riyadh, said that translating Friday sermons was essential because most expats were unable to benefit from the sermons in Arabic.

The ministry supervises over 72,000 mosques all over the Kingdom.

[AabiruSabeel]

One of the reasons why the proposed model of Masjid An-Nabawi expansion was cancelled was because the mihrab was moved to a new location in the proposed model and nobody can pin-point the Qiblah better than how Jibreel :as: did at the time of Rasulullah :saws:

[Endymion]

I read it in news that through the new expansion programme,they will make a place for 2 lac people to offer prayer in the veranda of Masjid An Nabi SAW.Is the cancellation news is about that expansion :hmm:

Last year i read an article which said they will soon fall flat the green dome of Masjidun Nabi SAW.Is that true?Also,is there any chance they will unveil the view of grills of the grave for women in future?

[AabiruSabeel]

The expansion itself is not cancelled, but the earlier proposed model of expansion is cancelled. It was like this:

The alternate model which might be implemented now is this one:

In this one, the original mihrab will remain in it's place and expansion will be done in the back and both sides.

And the green dome will remain as it is. There's no change to that :ia:


I don't think women will be allowed in the front, the place where Rasoolullah :saws: is facing. They are usually allowed only at the back side.

[AabiruSabeel]

Photos related to Mataf expansion:

[Endymion]

Can't wait to go imsad

[_Y168]

And the green dome will remain as it is. There's no change to that

So how comes there's no green dome in the model picture, or can I just not spot it? -_-

[AabiruSabeel]

It's there at the front, in the same place. The big white dome is at the back side, not the front side.

[_Y168]

It's there at the front, in the same place. The big white dome is at the back side, not the front side.

I just can't spot it. :/ Is it noticeable in the picture?

Could any one also explain to me exactly what is happening in the Mataaf right now? I've read many articles, but I just don't seem to understand the concept of the prayer area being separated from the Mataaf area, with there being direct access to the Massa from the Mataaf. Also, will the roof have the revolting floor?

[AabiruSabeel]

I think now you would be able to see it clearly.


In the Mataf, apparently they are going to lower the Turkish part of Masjid Al-Haraam and bring it down at the Mataf level.

The mataf area where worshippers perform the tawaf ritual (circumambulation of the Holy Ka’aba) will accommodate over 150,000 people per hour once it is expanded, according to Dr. Muhammad Al-Khuzaim, deputy president of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques’ Affairs.

Dr. Khuzaim said the old Haram area will be left unchanged, although slight changes will be made to keep it at the same level of the mataf. He added that it will also be connected with the ground floor and the courtyards.

Special lanes for wheelchairs used by the physically-disabled will be built while corridors will be developed to be in line with the mataf. More space will be created inside these corridors to facilitate the movement of worshippers.

Source: http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20121119143323


The work has now started at the northern side of Masjid Al-Haraam. They have closed 76 doors on that side and cut off the electricity as well. Some of the overhead pedestrian bridges across Masa will be temporarily removed.
Source: http://www.okaz.com.sa/new/Issues/20...1120549041.htm


The Mataf area will be raised temporarily at half the height of Ka'bah during the construction works.
Source: http://www.okaz.com.sa/new/issues/20...1121549309.htm

[AabiruSabeel]

[Haya emaan]

during hajj, at masjid un nabwi (SAW) there was a display of previously proposed model. i saw it there, Didn't they started work on it? As i noticed there that the sites where it was to be build were already emptied and ready to be demolished which included hotels and old market area.

[Endymion]

Old market area will be demolished :hmm: My mother told me about that and that the market is in a very bad condition and majority of shop keepers there are Paki's.So im getting myself ready to see a whole new Madinah Insha Allah :D

[Haya emaan]

i guess that old market area has already been wiped up few years back.. new hotels were built on that site.

[_Y168]

I think now you would be able to see it clearly.

I can now. Jazaak Allahu Khayran. It looks tiny in comparison to the white dome!

In the Mataf, apparently they are going to lower the Turkish part of Masjid Al-Haraam and bring it down at the Mataf level.

Aaaah! Afham! :).

The Mataf area will be raised temporarily at half the height of Ka'bah during the construction works.

Woaw! So the door of Al-Ka3bah will be beneath the people?

[AabiruSabeel]

So the door of Al-Ka3bah will be beneath the people?

Maybe ...


Few more pictures related to the Mataf expansion:

[_Y168]

Awesome. Can't wait till it's all complete. :ia:.

What's Shaykh Sudays' hand in this project?

[AabiruSabeel]

The Ka'bah will be washed on 15 Muharram - 29 Nov. :ia:

Source: http://www.al-madina.com/node/416452

What's Shaykh Sudays' hand in this project?

He's the head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of Masjid Al-Haraam and Masjid An-Nabawi, so everything has to be done under his supervision.

[AabiruSabeel]

[_Y168]

What is happening on the top floor in Masjidul Haraam? I was watching it on al Qur'aan al Kareem channel and it seems as though so much work is going on there too.

[AabiruSabeel]

The internal lock of the door of the Ka'bah was changed after 60 years. It was replaced by a pure gold lock and the key was handed over to Shaikh AbdulQader Al-Shebi, who is the eldest among the descendants of 'Uthman bin Talha :ra:.


The last lock from the Ottoman era was the one manufactured on the orders of Sultan AbdulHameed Khan in the year 1309 H and it remained there until King Khaled Al-Saud ordered the replacement of the door of the Ka'bah in the year 1398 H. The lock was also replaced along with the door.

The new lock replaces the lock installed during the reign of King Khaled. It is manufactured in the same design as its two preceding locks.



Source: http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/20...30/252656.html

What is happening on the top floor in Masjidul Haraam? I was watching it on al Qur'aan al Kareem channel and it seems as though so much work is going on there too.

Looks like they are preparing it for the new installations related to the Mataf expansion.

[_Y168]

Looks like they are preparing it for the new installations related to the Mataf expansion.

Oh, I see. Jazaak Allahu Khayran. Can't wait till it's all finished! :ia:.

[A-Brother]

So Much Has Been Spent On The Door Itself Of The Ka'abah

[AabiruSabeel]

Few more drawings of the Mataf expansion:

[_Y168]

Wow, it makes so much more sense after looking at the pictures. Subhaan Allah! King 'Abdullah is doing so much for the pilgrims. May Allah accept all his efforts. Allahumma Aameen.

[AabiruSabeel]

Source: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=98131516&postcount=3086

Mataf Expansion Project

____________________

The Custodian of al-Haramain King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz's Project
to increase the capacity of the Mataf:

-The proposition of a project to increase the capacity of the mataf was shown to King Abdullah in Ramadhan 1432 Hijri who directed to start implementing it.

-King Abdullah assigned the Ministry of Higher Education, General Authority of Masjid al Haram and Masjid al Nabawi and Saudi Bin Laden Group (Working team) to finish the studies on developing the proposed solution.

-The working team recommended a number of studies which were presented to King Abdullah, as follows:

1-Studies regarding air movement in Mataf Expansion and First Saudi Expansion.
2-Studies regarding the building structure of the First Saudi Expansion.
3-Studies regarding Automated systems for Tawaf and Sa'ee for people with special needs.
4-Studies regarding systems for shading the new mataf and the roof of Haram.
5-Studies regarding crowd movement through an integrated system beginning from outside Masjid-al-Haram and the areas surrounding it.

-King Abdullah ordered that these recommended studies be conducted urgently.

-The proposed design was shown to the Supreme Hajj Committee after the Hajj Season of 1432H and they ordered to conduct studies regarding increasing the width of the

Mataf with repititive floors and studies regarding re-building the structure of the First Saudi Expansion.

-The team of Ministry of Higher Education and General Authority of Masjid-al-Haram and Masjid-al-Nabawi arranged a work shop with the Security forces in the month of

Rabi-ul-awwal 1433H to inform them about the proposed design and to take their opinion and to find out their demands.

-The meetings of the working team continued in order to develop the proposed solution including the observations and recommendations of the security forces. Some of

the important observations which were taken into account are:
1-Studying and assessing of the structural system of the First Saudi Expansion.
2-Paying attention to crowd movement and fragmentation of human blocks inside and outside Masjid-al-Haram.
3-To Facilitate the entry and exit movement in the entrances of the Masjid al Haram building so as to provide safety and security to the visitors.
4-Preparing passages and roads leading to Masjid al Haram and developing a guidance system to facilitate the arrival and departure.
5-Developing a system for shading the mataf courtyard and the roof of Masjid al Haram and the external squares surrounding it.
6-Providing specific and separate passages to people with special needs and the elderly and developing an automated system to serve them.
7-The importance of linking (the Mataf) with the Third Saudi Expansion and activating the basement level.

-The Ministry team assigned a number of consulting offices (in the field of structural studies and supporting and re-enforcing structures) to study and assess the structural system of the First Saudi Expansion and its ability to cope with the above-mentioned demands. The results of this study suggested that the current structure was unable to support additional upper floors and future demands.

-The Ministry team and a representative of the Genral Authority recommended that the First Saudi Expansion should be rebuilt complying with the same standards that were used in building the Third Saudi Expansion.

-Based on the above, the proposed project was developed to raise the capacity of the Mataf and the parts attatched to it.

________________________

[AabiruSabeel]

Current State

Horizontal Projections

Longitudinal Sector of Mas'aa

Visuals of crowding in the current state

Directives and Standards for the design

-Fragmentation of Human blocks and their distribution on different floors and controlling them from outside the building of Masjid-al-Haram.

-Preseving the old Haram and main gates with minarets as much as possible and rebuilding the First Saudi Expansion taking into account the future vertical expansion.

-Linking the Mataf and Mas'aa floors on the same level.

-Specifying separate floors for people with special needs and the elderly to perform Tawaf and linking them with Mas'aa floors.

-Integration of systems and services, taking into account the future demands like shading and automated tawaf.

Initial Design
Basement Floor

Ground Floor

First Floor

First Floor Mezzanine

Second Floor

Exterior Perspective

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

__________________________

Interior Perspective

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Comparison between Current State, Initial Design and the Mas'aa.

Longitudinal Sector of Mas'aa-Comprehensive solution

Thanks a lot to Makkawi.Pk who did this great work!

Source: http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/3336651...n_02122012.pdf

-


Source for the above two posts: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpo...postcount=3086

[_Y168]

What a detailed explanation. :ma:. Jazaak Allahu Khayran for sharing that.

[AabiruSabeel]

The new design for the expansion of Masjid An-Nabawi Ash-Shareef is approved.

[Shaykha]

Makkah to be made a world-class city

10 March 2013 - 27 Rabi Al-Thani 1434 H

MAKKAH – Authorities are giving top priority to correct the status of people in Makkah region and improve their living conditions while implementing a massive plan for developing unplanned neighborhoods in the region, Emir of Makkah region Prince Khaled Al-Faisal said Saturday at the inauguration of the first forum to develop unplanned areas in Makkah region at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU).

Prince Khaled noted that the first project that he had presented to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah after taking over as Emir was development of unplanned districts in the Holy City. “I received quick and positive response from the King allowing me to go ahead with the plan. I promise you that we will realize the aspirations of King Abdullah, who announced that ‘there is nothing precious than Makkah,’ in developing Makkah as the most beautiful city in the world,” he said.

Prince Khaled noted that the King ordered the formation of a ministerial committee, headed by the then Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Prince Miteb, and then by the late Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, who gave utmost importance to implement the project.

The Emir said that the problem of unplanned neighborhoods is not limited to Makkah alone but it is a global one. “Such districts are everywhere in the world. But regarding Makkah, we had to face myriad problems when we sat together to tackle the issue of unplanned districts, and some of them related to the large number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims who overstayed their visas,” he said. “There are also problems of those who moved to the Holy City after fleeing their countries due to religious reasons and they are living in this city since several years. It is essential to tackle the problems caused by these people.”

Prince Khaled said that the Saudi experience in tackling the problem of unplanned districts in Makkah region is quite different from other cities in the world. “This is because we give utmost importance to the development of human resources than anything else. There are hundreds of thousands of residents in these districts who do not have either IDs or jobs. The grave challenge in front of us was to correct the status of these people rather than the construction of any roads or setting up of utility projects,” he said. “Therefore, the government, represented by the ministerial committee, vowed to take a head count of these people and then study their individual and family problems and then work out solutions to address this vital problem.”

The Emir stressed that the authorities are putting emphasis on correcting the residential status of these people and giving them education and training so as to enable them to take up jobs. “Our main concern is to uplift these people.”

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130310156152

[Shaykha]

Grand Mosque to have a helipad

A model of the expanded Grand Mosque with the helipad

7 March 2013 - 24 Rabi Al-Thani 1434 H

MAKKAH — The roof of the expanded Grand Mosque will have a helipad that will be used to transport patients to hospitals to avoid traffic jams, especially during the Ramadan and Haj seasons.

The helipad is part of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s Grand Mosque expansion project.

The project includes new toilets and a network of paths for carts that are completely separate from pedestrian routes. It also includes pedestrian tunnels equipped with escalators and all the necessary safety and security means. The tunnels will facilitate movement to and from the northern and southern courtyards.

The expansion project also includes drinking water coolers and an advanced system to dispose of waste, in addition to security monitoring systems, and facilities to provide shade for the northern courtyards.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20130307155773

Model with 2 helipads

[AabiruSabeel]

Illustration of Masjid Al-Haraam expansion


Courtesy of iHaram Salah Archives

[AabiruSabeel]

Rusty lock of Holy Kaaba changed after 30 years

The new lock is made of 18-carat gold.




The General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has announced that the lock of the Kaaba was changed after officials washing the Kaaba noticed it was rusty. The lock was made 30 years ago.

The new lock was handed to the senior “sadin,” the Kaaba’s key keeper, Shiekh Abdulqader Al-Shaibi.

The statement clarified the controversy over having the lock changed, which came at the request of the late senior Sadin Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheibi, the previous keeper of the Holy Kaaba’s door key. However, the new Kaaba’s key keeper said he should have been notified about the matter.

All affairs of the Kaaba, such as the washing, changing the Kiswaa, the lock or the other affairs are usually notified by the Royal Court to the sadin, and not the general presidency, through the governor of Makkah, said the senior sadin.

Sheikh Abdulqader Al-Sheibi said that Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, inspected the new lock while the sadin was away.
“This sidelining of the role of the sadin is a violation of his lawful rights,” said the senior sadin.

Ahmad bin Muhammad Al-Mansouri, the spokesman of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, said a royal decree was issued in 2009 and was directed to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to conduct a technical study on the situation and that a group of scientists took the exact specifications of the key to the door of the Kaaba upon the request of the senior sadin who noticed that the key became rusty and does not work well. The new lock is made of 18-carat gold.

Mansouri said that the new key will be delivered to the sadin at the request of the Royal Court in compliance with the legal provisions on the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.



Source: http://www.arabnews.com/news/466361

[AabiruSabeel]

Mobile cold-Zamzam water distributors, will be serving the pilgrims in Masjidul Haraam on Thursdays and Mondays, for those who open the fasts in the Holy mosque. The presidency of Haramain intends to carry on this project in preparation of Ramadan.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...5318093&type=1

[A-Brother]

Installaion Of 16 New LED Screens Around The Grand Mosque - LED Screens

Www.gph.gov.sa

[Shaykha]

Assalamu 'Alaykum W.w.

Request To All Brothers And Sisters To Pray For Speedy Recovery Of Muathin Of Masjidul Haraam Shaykh Muhammad Bin Siraaj Ma'aroof Who Is Currently In Intensive Care.
May Allah Grant Our Beloved Muathin Quick, Speedy And Full Recovery. Aameen

Just Thought I'd Share A Beautiful Athaan Of Shaykhs:

[A-Brother]

Expat commits suicide at Prophet’s Mosque

An apparent*suicide by an foreigner at the holy mosque on Tuesday is being investigate by police.

12 February 2014

Police are investigating the suicide of an African expatriate at a washroom in the Prophet’s Mosque.

The body of the 47-year-old private driver was found hanging from a metal wire tied to a toilet door.

According to a coroner’s statement, there were no marks on the body to suggest any criminal involvement in the death, Col. Fahd Al-Ghannam, Madinah police spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday. A medical report said that the death occurred at 1:30 a.m. The expat had kicked the garbage box on which he was standing from beneath him after securing a metal noose around his neck.

The body is kept at the King Fahd Hospital.

http://www.arabnews.com/news/524661

[AabiruSabeel]

The Hajj Live channel is active once again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaX_CvUWkk

The Hujjaj are performing Tawaf Qudoom and proceeding towards Mina tonight and tomorrow morning.

[AabiruSabeel]

The Kiswa (cloth of the Ka'bah) is being changed now. Watch live here: http://haramaininfo.blogspot.com/201...1435-2014.html

[Insaanah]

Prophet’s Mosque expansion work goes apace

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Published — Tuesday 16 December 2014

In a race against time, over 6,000 individuals, from engineers to construction workers, are pooling their efforts to complete the expansion of the Prophet's Mosque. That huge work force is supervised by the committee of expropriation, which is part of the project initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to expand the mosque and develop the surrounding areas.

The team is preparing the infrastructure in the eastern and western sides of the mosque and have already removed more than 100 properties in the central area, including the Ansar market, Awqaf building and the old children's hospital, while work is under way to remove the King Abdulaziz Library and a number of major hotels.

The total space of expropriated property is estimated at 12.5 hectares, with compensations reaching a total value of SR25 billion.

The company implementing the project is preparing the eastern side to take more than 1.8 million worshipers, which is the biggest in the history of the Prophet's Mosque. Among the many renovations, are the addition of a new building beside the mosque that surrounds it and connects with it from the north, east and west. Other expansion plans include the establishment of a lower floor to house air conditioning and other equipment.
The project is now in its fourth phase, after the supervising committee finalized assigning properties for the expansion.

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/675131

[Insaanah]

Huge umbrellas to be installed at Makkah Grand Mosque

JEDDAH: IRFAN MOHAMMED

Published — Monday 15 December 2014

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has approved a project to install about 300 sunshades in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, similar to the ones at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah thanked the king for the royal gesture that would reduce the difficulties of worshippers who pray in the mosque’s courtyards under the scorching sun.
“We have decided to install more than 300 umbrellas in the courtyards around the Grand Mosque including the newly expanded areas,” said Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques.

He said the umbrellas would cover about 275,000 square meters of open space surrounding the mosque.
The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah has nearly 250 umbrellas for the comfort of the pilgrims. Like blooming flowers, the umbrellas are programmed to fold and unfold in minutely delayed sequence to avoid collision between their moving parts. Their near-silent operation is automatically aligned with changes in the daily temperature. They open each morning, creating a translucent ceiling, and retract each evening in less than three minutes.

In summer, the open umbrellas provide daytime shade and reflect away much of the sun’s radiant energy. When closed at night, they allow residual heat absorbed by the stone floors and walls to escape back into the atmosphere. The process is reversed in winter. When temperatures are relatively low, umbrellas are closed during the day to allow the winter sun to warm the site, and opened at night to retain heat near ground level.
The mosque itself is air-conditioned. Lowering temperatures in the surrounding courtyards reduces the demand for cooling inside. Shading the courtyards accomplishes this, plus providing more comfortable areas for pilgrims and worshippers.

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/674691

[AabiruSabeel]

New regulations for iftars in Grand Mosque

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Affairs announced new regulations regarding Ramadan iftars (breaking of the fast meals) held in the Grand Mosque, Makkah daily reported.

Director of cleaning at the presidency Maher Al-Zahrani said the new regulations were set to maintain the cleanliness of the mosque.

He said: “The nylon spreads used must be all of the same color and must be as thick as 50 microns.

“The dates served must all be fresh and free of their core to avoid having seeds clogging the sewers.

“The general presidency expects the charities organizing the iftars to be fully responsible by appointing supervisors and volunteers for setting up the iftars and cleaning up.”

The directorate will only allow appointed members of the organizing charities and associations to go in and set up the iftars. “They will be allowed in half an hour after Asr prayer from the side entrances and not the main ones. This will give them plenty of time to set up iftars.

“Everything is expected to be cleared and cleaned up five minutes after the Maghrib adhan (call for prayer) is over.”

He said there are designated trolleys near each entrance where the volunteers can dispose of rubbish. “Our workers will then push the trolleys away from the central area of the Grand Mosque.”

He also said many perform wudu (ablutions) with Zamzam water even though it is a waste of the holy water and causes hazards.

He added the visitors of the mosque should also clean up after themselves and contribute to keeping the mosque clean.

“Visitors should throw their trash and leftovers in the trash bags, not bring in their own food and drinks, consume a modest amount of dates, coffee and Zamzam water and put their shoes in the designated places outside the Grand Mosque.”

“In the past, the directorate used to discard 167 tons of rubbish a day and during the last three days of Ramadan the weight could reach up to 300 tons a day.

“The nylon spreads used to reach 65 km in length and there would be around 70 tons of dates distributed inside the mosque a day.”

[Shaykha]

[AabiruSabeel]

:ma: Shaikh Muhammad Ayyub will be back in Masjid An-Nabawi after nearly 20 years.

[wizra]

Such cool news. I hope we get good quality recordings of the Mushaf.

It would be awesome if Abdul-Wadood Haneef returned too.

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Umaimah Muhammad in Haramain.info group

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Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman inaugurated 5 new projects from 3rd saudi expansion of Masjid ul Haraam this night.

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Mohammed Ghayas Saqib in Haramain.info group

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1,17,700 buses arranged for foreign pilgrims for hajj

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Ripon Ahmed in Haramain.info group

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Imam schedule for Masjid al Nabawi. ( from 29 - 8 - 15 to 4 - 9 - 15)

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Rajack Gukhool in Haramain.info group

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https://www.facebook.com/channelisla...174561/?type=1

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Luqman Yahya in Haramain.info group

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Hajj on Wednesday 23rd September 2015
Eid ul Adha on Thursday 24th September 2015

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Luqman Yahya in Haramain.info group

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Lunar Eclipse tonight,
We are expecting prayer to start between 4:10-4:20am,
Sheikh Baleelah expected to lead in Masjid Al-Haram & Sheikh Buay'jan in Masjid Al-Nabwi in'sha'Allah

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Luqman Yahya in Haramain.info group

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First Adhan will be call out 30 mins before 2nd, starting from tomorrow.
Khateebs for Jumua in Haramain
Makkah: Sheikh Usama Khayyat
Madinah: Sheikh Abdul Mohsin Al-Qasim
in'sha'Allah

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Sohail Sidat in Haramain.info group

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The cleanliness and the Holy Mosque brushes management to re-carpet after the completion of washing and sterilization during the Hajj season - and this is carpet throughout the Sacred House in three stages in order of priority, starting on the ground floor and first floor. He explained that the Director of the Department of cleaning brushes and the Holy Mosque Affairs Director General President developmental engineer Maher son of Manasseh Zahrani Office.
He also said that the re-carpet the Holy Mosque which has a numbering nearly fifteen thousand carpet and different sizes are allocated to the various roles of the Grand Mosque.
And under the supervision and guidance of His Excellency the President for General Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sudais and follow-up of the Deputy General President of the Grand Mosque Affairs Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Nasser AlKhozim.

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Ripon Ahmed in Haramain.info group

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Imam Schedule for Masjid al Nabawi. ( from 24 - 10 - 15 to 30 - 10 - 15 )

[AabiruSabeel]

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Haramain in Haramain.info

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New movable shelves to hold Quran Mus'hafs of different sizes and translations in Masjid al Haram.

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Haramain in Haramain.info

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BREAKING NEWS: Sheikh Faysal Ghazzawi and Sheikh Maher Al Muayqili Are Now KHATEEBS of Masjid Al Haram

[Haramain Bot]

14 mosques in Makkah being built
in original architectural style

Model of Haya'a Al-Egatha Mosque in Makkah

Monday 10 July 2017

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has began implementing the designs of 14 out of 50 mosques in the Makkan style to increase the Islamic identity of the surrounding Makkah environs.

The agreement was signed between the ministry and the Charitable Foundation for the Construction of Mosques to design and rehabilitate 50 mosques in Makkah, and to review the infrastructure and services of the city and Al-Mashaer area.

The project will also identify the technical features and measurements to build mosques and provide the architectural structures with artistic poise that reflects the past, but in a modern framework.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1127071/saudi-arabia

https://twitter.com/makkahregion/sta...35589007343616

http://www.makkawi.com/News/show.aspx?Id=3839

https://www.makkah.gov.sa/news/show/393

More...

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Roukaya19 at http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...9&goto=newpost

Haramain high-speed train arrives
in Jeddah for first time

Wednesday 19 July 2017

JEDDAH: The Haramain Express Train has arrived at Jeddah station for the first time after operational tests of the Saudi high-speed train system.

The train arrived on a pilot trip from King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

“The Railway Corp. seeks to play its role in realizing Vision 2030 by harnessing its energies to serve pilgrims and guests through the Haramain train project, linking Makkah and Madinah through Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz International Airport and KAEC in Rabigh,” said Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, chairman of the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and acting head of the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO).

Al-Rumaih said the railway will be fully operational by the end of 2017.

Last December, Haramain High Speed Rail Project Director Bassam bin Ahmed Ghulman said it is the largest transportation project in the Middle East and one of the largest public transportation projects in the world.

It is estimated to cost about SR62 billion ($16.5 billion), and involved erecting 15,000 power pylons and demolishing some mountains.

The 450-km-long electric railway is designed to serve 60 million passengers annually via 35 trains.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1131811/saudi-arabia


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[Abz2000]

A small child gives a wonderful speech at a mosque (Masjid al Haram?), crowds sit at his feet to listen and receive admonotion:

[AabiruSabeel]

Trial run of Haramain Train from Jeddah to Madinah on 1/11/1438 AH - 25 July 2017 AD

[Haramain Bot]

Installing water spray around Jamarat

Embedded Tweet

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[Haramain Bot]

Installing shades on pedestrian bridges to Mina 1 & Mina 2 train stations

Embedded Tweet

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[Haramain Bot]

Flood water collection and utilization plant near train station

Embedded Tweet

Water Supply to Train stations at mina

Completion of concrete stairway for climbing Jabal Rahmah (mountain of mercy) at 'Arafat

Installing shades on slopes leading up to train stations at Mina

Upgrading facilities at slaughterhouse

[Haramain Bot]

13 Projects underway to accommodate
pilgrims at Holy sites

Sunday 30 July 2017

Pilgrims will benefit from 13 projects undertaken by the Development Authority of Makkah and the holy sites (MMDA), and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

These projects include pedestrian bridges, toilets, train gates and many others, and will accommodate pilgrims from all over the world.

According to Okaz newspaper, the holy sites are witnessing great efforts being exerted to complete a number of projects, especially since only 38 days are left before the arrival of pilgrims to the sprawling tent city of Mina.

Trial train trips have been operated on a daily basis over the past months, to make sure of the trains’ security, safety and readiness.

The Malaysian company operating the Mashaer Railway network is now offering temporary jobs for young Saudis. Saudis willing to work for a period of 8 days during the Hajj season this year can now apply.

The MMDA has achieved 60 percent of a project aiming to separate pedestrians climbing Jabal Al-Rahmah Mountain from the Iranian pilgrims’ camps in Arafat.

The MMDA and the workers on site are in a race against time, as they want pilgrims to benefit from this project during this year’s Hajj season.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1136786/saudi-arabia

Project of Shading pedestrian bridges
to the Mashair train at station Al-Jamarat

@MAK kahregion

@MAK kahAuthority




Project of cleaning and operating
30 thousand new toilets

@MAK kahAuthority

@MAK kahregion




Project of shading the pedestrian road
linking the Aziziyah area to the second floor of the Jamarat bridge

@MAK kahAuthority






Project of a concrete bridge
for pedestrians in Mina

article: http://www.alwatan.com.sa/Politics/N...ticleID=309586

Source: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpo...ostcount=10785

[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Roukaya19 at http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...2&goto=newpost

New Madinah Gate under construction

via @Madina Authority / @soonmadinah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naif Saudi (Post 120057743) تصميم 3 مداخل للمدينة المنورة على الطرق الرئيسية المدينة المنورة - سالم الأحمدي : كشفت هيئة تطوير المدينة المنورة عن النموذج المعماري والعمراني لمشروع تنفيذ مداخل و بوابات المدينة المنورة على الطرق الرئيسية الثلاثة ،بعد أن أعلنت عن طرح المنافسة لتنفيذ بوابتين الأولى على طريق الهجرة من المدخل الجنوبي للمدينة المنورة، والبوابة الثانية على طريق المدينة المنورة – القصيم السريع من المدخــل الشرقي، على أن يتم تنفيذ البوابة الثالثة على طريق تبوك من المدخل الغربي في وقت لاحق ، بما يتلاءم مع البيئة المحلية والطابع التراثي للمدينة المنورة، مع توفير الخدمات اللازمة للزوار والحجاج عند القدوم والمغادرة. واوضح أمين هيئة تطوير المدينة المنورة الدكتور طلال الردادي أن الهدف من المشروع إيجاد معلم حضاري ذو هوية فريدة حيث يعبر تصميم المدخل والبوابة عن المدينة المنورة ومكانتها التاريخية والإسلامية مضيفا انه اخذ في الاعتبارات الجمالية لتصميم مداخل المدينة المنورة من خلال طرح أفكار تصميمية إبداعية ومبتكرة وفي نفس الوقت إيجاد علامة معمارية مميزة تدل على موقع الوصول للمدينة المنورة مع توفير الخدمات اللازمة للزوار والحجاج عند القدوم والمغادرة. وقال الدكتور الردادي روعي ان تكون مداخل المدينة المنورة معلماً عمرانياً فنياً ومتعةً ترفيهيةً وخبرةً ثقافيةً متميزة تؤكد على الهوية الحضارية للمدينة المنورة مع التصميم المعماري والعمراني المتناسق لعناصر الموقع لمباني المشروع بما يعبر عن وظيفة المشروع وعناصره البنائية والوظيفية المختلفة، وبما يتلاءم مع البيئة المحلية والطابع التراثي للمدينة المنورة. وأشار الدكتور الردادي إلى أهمية الاستدامة في تصميم موقع المداخل والمباني المقترحة به من خلال تأكيد الوحدة والارتباط العضوي بين عناصر المشروع ، أضافة الي الاستفادة من الوسائل التقنية المتقدمة في تصميم وتنفيذ المداخل المدينة المنورة وفي تقديم الخدمات المختلفة بها. كما اشار إلى وجود تخطيط شبكة متكاملة من حركة وتجمعات السيارات والحافلات والخدمات والطوارئ ومراعاة عدم التداخل بينها ، و التحكم في حركة السيارات والحافلات وتخطيط المسارات الأساسية والفرعية ونقاط التفتيش ومواقف الانتظار بكفاءة تامة ، أضافة الي التنسيق الفراغي المتكامل للموقع وعناصره المختلفة بما يعكس تصميم جذاب ذو قيم جمالية متميزة ، وذلك من خلال طرح أفكار تصميمية مبتكرة لعناصر الفراغات (الأرصفة، الأسوار، الإضاءة ، الألوان). مع مراعاة عوامل السلامة والأمان في كافة عناصر المداخل والعناية بتخطيط الموقع من ناحية خطط حالات الطوارئ والإخلاء . وأشار أمين هيئة تطوير المدينة المنورة أن مشروع البوابات يحتوي على مسجد يضم مرافقه وايضا محلات تجارية و سوبر ماركت و مطاعم اضافة الي وجود مركز معلومات وايضا مباني خاصة بالجهات الحكومية ذات العلاقة التي تقوم بتشغيل البوابة وتقدم الخدمات اللازمة للعابرين بها مواقف سيارات عامة وخاصة وحافلات وروعي وجود ساحات وحدائق مع العناية بتنسيق التشجير ونباتات ومسطحات خضراء وعناصر الطبيعية المختلفة ، وتصميم اللافتات الإرشادية ولافتات مجالات توجيه حركة المرور.

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[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Roukaya19 at http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...4&goto=newpost

Enormous umbrellas to be
installed in the Grand Mosque

First phase begins next year

Wednesday August 23, 2017 / 1 Dhu al-hijjah 1438

MAKKAH — The design works of the umbrella project for the Grand Mosque courtyards have been completed, announced Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Ahmadi, Commander of Grand Mosque Security Forces during the Second Media Conference for Haj Security commanders held Monday in Makkah.

The area of an umbrella in the Prophet Mosque is 25*25 while in the Grand Mosque it is 53*53, which is double the area, he explained.

“These umbrellas are huge and there are no similar ones to them any place around the world. The first phase of the umbrella installation project will take place beginning of the next year and will cover all courtyards.

The Grand Mosque roof will have umbrellas as well,” he said.

The mataf expansion project, which was completed this year, will accommodate more pilgrims and provide them with more comfort and ease.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/5...A/Grand-Mosque

كشف قائد القوة الخاصة لأمن المسجد الحرام المكي "اللواء محمد الأحمدي"، لـ"سبق"، عن أنه تم تنفيذ مشروع المظلات داخل ساحات المسجد الحرام المكي وعلى سطحه، سيكون بدءاً من العام المقبل، مبيناً أن أمر تنفيذه قائم ومعتمد من قبل المقام السامي الكريم، وأن اللجنة الفنية انتهت من التصاميم وسيكون المشروع هو الأكبر في العالم؛ إذ تبلغ مساحته الإجمالية قرابة "٢٨٠٩"م٢.

https://sabq.org/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%...82%D8%A8%D9%84

Large 53m high umbrellas each covering area of 2500m2 with 8 projectors

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[AabiruSabeel]

[AabiruSabeel]

Changing of Kiswa today, 9 Dhil Hijjah 1438 AH, the day of 'Arafah

[AabiruSabeel]

Work has been started to renovate the Zamzam well inside Masjid Al-Haraam.

From left to right: Entrance to Mataf area for performing Tawaf, Area for praying 2 Rakat after Tawaf, Exit from mataf area, location of renovation project



Zamzam well to be spruced up before Ramadan

MAKKAH — The Zamzam well will be spruced up to ensure the steady flow of blessed water, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, chairman of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, has announced.

He said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved the project which will take about seven months to complete, and will end before Ramadan.

The project consists of two parts. The first is to establish five service crossings for Zamzam well at the eastern mataf area. The total width of the crossings is eight meters and length 120 meters.

The second part of the project is the sterilization of the areas around Zamzam well by removing the debris of concrete and steel used in the old cellar of the Grand Mosque.

The project also includes installing sterilized gypsum around the well to ensure the steady flow of water.

The Saudi Geological Survey has a Zamzam Studies and Research Center which analyses the technical properties of the well in detail. Water levels were monitored by hydrograph, which in more recent times has changed to a digital monitoring system that tracks the water level, electric conductivity, pH, Eh, and temperature.

Located around 20 meters away from the Kaaba, the Zamzam well is believed to be the oldest well on earth, as water has been flowing there for 5000 years. The holy well pumps up to 18.5 liters per second and is only 30 meters deep.

Some 120 tons of Zamzam water is transported on a daily basis to the tanks at Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madina through tankers with special specifications to protect the water from contamination.

Zamzam water is provided in 7,000 sterile containers distributed inside and around the Prophet’s Mosque.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/5...before-Ramadan

[Insaanah]

:salam:
Are only people performing umrah being allowed to do tawaf around prayer times? The last few times I've seen, every single person praying a fard prayer in jamah around the kabah has been in ihram.

[AabiruSabeel]

:wasalam:

Yes, since the start of renovation work on Zamzam well, only Umrah visitors are allowed inside enclosed mataf area for Tawaf. Others can perform Tawaf on the ground floor level and upper levels.

[Insaanah]

^ :jz:

[AabiruSabeel]

Breaking News: To facilitate the visitors to say Salam to the Prophet :saws:, they are going to move the Imam back to the location of mihrab of the Messenger of Allah, :saws:.

[Haramain Bot]

Embedded Tweet

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[AabiruSabeel]

Brief intro to different administrative sections of Haramain

[RoomanAli]

Brother are these available in english

[AabiruSabeel]

Brother are these available in english

No, these are only in Arabic. I'll try to write brief description in English if possible :ia:.

[Haramain Bot]

#AlMaqsad_app aims to help visitors by facilitating movement in the Grand Mosque and navigation to services around the mosque.pic.twitter.com/cTXL47dKCy

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[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Roukaya19 at https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showt...9&goto=newpost

Palace of Al-Zaher: Museum for history
and heritage of Makkah

The Al-Zaher Palace consists of a basement and two floors, in addition to different areas for various uses.Its area is 2,700 sq. meter of which
2,200 sq. meter is the ground floor and the remaining area of 500 sq. meter include the garden surrounding the main building.

Wednesday , June 6, 2018

MAKAKH — The historic Al-Zaher Palace in the holy city is one of the important museums dedicated to the history of Makkah. The palace was built in 1944 to be one of the headquarters for King Abdul Aziz in Makkah, where delegations used to meet leaders of pilgrims coming from different Islamic countries, Al-Hayat newspaper reported.

Since then, the palace consisted of a basement and two floors, in addition to different areas for various uses. The area of the palace is 2,700 square meter of which 2,200 sq. meter is the ground floor, and the remaining area of 500 sq. meter include the garden surrounding the main building. The garden is located at the front main entrance surrounded by the fountain area and areas planted with trees and green plants.

The palace is built with carved stone and carved in Islamic architectural style, both in terms of the internal distribution of rooms, halls, and villas, or the external configuration of the building. The ceilings are reinforced with concrete, which helped to maintain its strength and durability. Although some walls were influenced by the factors of time, it still shows the appearance of luxury and beauty that characterized the days when the palace was built in brilliance.

King Abdul Aziz Palace was renovated in Al-Zaher in Makkah after the decision of the Antiquities and Museums Agency. It was transformed and restored by repairing all that was destroyed to the Islamic Museum in Makkah.

The museum is one of the most important in Saudi Arabia. It contains the main hall of Saudi Arabia, which includes halls for the Hejaz area in general and for Makkah in particular, and a hall for Islamic palaces in Saudi Arabia, a hall of various archaeological collections dating back to different periods of Islamic history in the region, and others of the Arabic calligraphy, including models of fine lines as an important Islamic value.

Recently, the museum joined the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and was dedicated to the history of Makkah. The commission included it in the system of new museum projects, which include: Museum of Islamic History at Khuzam Palace in Jeddah, the Museum of the history of Makkah at the Palace of Al-Zaher, the museum of the history of the Saudi government in the palace of King Faisal in Makkah, the museum of Islamic battles history that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ordered the Ministry of Defense to construct it in coordination with the commission, a museum at the site of the Battle of Badr, in addition to the visitors centers in the most prominent sites of Islamic history.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/5...tage-of-Makkah


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[Haramain Bot]

Posted by Roukaya19 at https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showt...2&goto=newpost

KSA’s Haramain train makes
pilot trip with 200 citizens

02 June 2018

JEDDAH: The Haramain high-speed train service offered first free trip to citizens on Friday. More than 200 citizens traveled from Madinah to Makkah on the Haramain Express’ test journey.

Nabil Al-Amoudi, transport minister and the chairman of the General Transport Authority, accompanied the citizens on the historic train journey.

Before departing for their destination, passengers took a tour of the station, which included the departure and arrival lounge, VIP lounge, mosque, civil defense center, a helipad, platforms and parking lots with a capacity of 1,000 vehicles.

Citizens were excited to embark on the journey and expressed their joy over this great achievement. Tarek Al-Qahtani, one of the passengers, told Saudi Press Agency that he was impressed by the new service and the courteous staff comprising young Saudi men and women. Many citizens expressed hope that the new service would change the travel culture in the Kingdom for the better.

Fatima Mohammed felt proud of this national achievement, which she said would help serve the visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and Madinah residents in a better way.

Badreyah Sultan noted that the Kingdom has been witnessing great development in all spheres of life and this train project is part of those uplift programs.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1314441/saudi-arabia

Friday 1st June: Haramain train
First free trip for citizens
Trip Madinah-Makkah
__________________________________________________ _____________

The guests of Al-Haramain train are arriving at Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah station
, awaiting the start of the flight to Makkah on Friday.
ضيوف قطار الحرمين يتوافدون على محطة المدينة المنورة، بانتظار انطلاق الرحلة المتوجهة إلى مكة المكرمة اليوم الجمعة.

HE Minister of Transport d. Nabil Al Amoudi welcomes guests of Al Haramain train
معالي وزير النقل د. نبيل العامودي يرحب بضيوف قطار الحرمين
هذه اللحظة.

via @Haramain railway

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php...newsid=1772170

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