JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS

Wednesday 10 April 2013

The first phase of the expansion of mataf (circumambulation area around the Kabaa) will be ready before Ramadan when millions of pilgrims come for Umrah. “The ground floor and first floor of mataf will be opened for pilgrims during Ramadan,” said Muhammad bin Nasser Al-Khozaim, vice president of the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques. Pilgrims will circumambulate on the terrace of the Grand Mosque during this Haj season, Al-Khozaim said. The pace of work has been accelerated to complete construction before Ramadan. The first phase will help mataf hold 105,000 pilgrims per hour.

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