Raed Al-Malki Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — A new three-phase expansion of Al-Mataf area will begin after this year's Haj, Abdul Aziz Sorouji, Dean of King Abdullah Institute for Haj and Umrah Research, said here Sunday. The project would be completed in three years. Once completed, the capacity of Al-Mataf area will go up from 45,000 persons performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'ba) in an hour to 130,000 persons an hour, Sorouji said. The project was put forth by the Ministry of Higher Education and approved by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, last year, he added. A committee will be formed to follow up the project's progress while special committees will be set up to organize and manage crowds in locations near Al-Jamarat area, the Grand Mosque and Al-Mataf as well as Al-Sa'i areas. The government is taking earnest measures to convert the city of Makkah into a smart city with exemplary services, he noted. A comprehensive plan in this regard will be implemented over a period of 30 years and will focus on developing environmental and health aspects of the holy city. The institute submitted studies and research about building towers on top of the foothills of Mina mountains. The studies focus on the best ways to benefit from the foothills and upgrade facilities. The Board of Senior Ulema has already approved construction of buildings on foothills in Mina, he said.
