Massive Holy Mecca development project launched

By: Abdulali

HOLY CITY OF MECCA, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah launched a 30 billion riyal (US$ 8 billion, 6.2 billion euro) development project in the holy city of Mecca, including a plan to expand part of the Grand Mosque.

Abdullah gave the go-ahead for the massive projects during a ceremony held late Sunday night in the holy city of Mecca, birthplace of Chief of Prophets prophet Muhammad (p) and his cousin and son-in-law Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (p).

Daily English-language Arab News reported that Saudi authorities intend to expand part of the Grand Mosque, which attracts more than 1 million Muslim pilgrims annually; build prayer areas to accommodate 200,000 worshippers; and construct hotels, residential towers and commercial centers. Mecca's main medical center Ajyad Hospital will be expanded and roads constructed to ease traffic jams during peak pilgrimage periods.

The projects will provide more than 25,000 jobs for Saudis, the paper reported.

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