Saudi Arabia's Al-Masaa Expansion Doubles Width To Enhance Umrah Rituals

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the experience of millions of pilgrims and Umrah performers, Saudi Arabia has completed the largest expansion project in the history of Al-Masaa, the designated area for the Saa’i ritual. This ritual, a pivotal part of the Hajj and Umrah, involves walking between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa, two mountains located to the east of the Grand Mosque. The expansion project has been meticulously planned to respect religious and geographical sensitivities while doubling the capacity of the area to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

The ambitious expansion has seen the total width of Al-Masaa increase from 20 meters to an impressive 40 meters. This was achieved by extending into spaces adjacent to the Grand Mosque courtyard, effectively doubling its capacity. The project also introduced an additional three floors to the existing structure, bringing the total number of floors to four. As a result, the total area of Al-Masaa now exceeds 87,000 square meters, with the overall building and service areas spanning approximately 125,000 square meters.

One of the primary objectives of this expansion is to alleviate congestion and enhance the safety and comfort of pilgrims and Umrah performers. With these improvements, Al-Masaa can now accommodate up to 118,000 individuals per hour. This is a significant upgrade that promises a smoother and more serene experience for visitors performing the Saa’i ritual. The length of Al-Masaa between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa remains at 394 meters but with an increased width of 40 meters. Pilgrims and Umrah performers cover a distance of 2,761.5 meters over seven rounds during their Saie.

Commitment to Pilgrim Welfare

This expansion underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to facilitating religious practices for Muslims worldwide. By doubling the capacity of Al-Masaa and enhancing its infrastructure, the Kingdom aims to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in a safe and comfortable environment. The project takes into account both religious obligations and the physical well-being of visitors, reflecting a thoughtful approach to preserving religious traditions while accommodating modern needs.

The completion of this historic expansion marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia's efforts to serve the Muslim Ummah and support the spiritual journey of pilgrims and Umrah performers. With these enhancements, Al-Masaa is set to provide a more accessible and fulfilling experience for millions of faithful from around the globe.

With inputs from SPA