The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is a place Muslims from around the world visit while performing Hajj and Umrah, or simply to pray (performing the salat) and visit Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
One of the world’s largest mosques, the Prophet’s Mosque underwent several expansions throughout its history, starting with the days of the caliphs, followed by the Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Ottomans, and, finally, the Saudi era, during which it underwent the largest expansion in its history and was the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to be lit by electric light bulbs in 1909 (1327 AH).
The Prophet’s Mosque, also known as Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, was the second mosque built by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the first year of Hijrah (the Prophet’s migration with his followers from Makkah to Madinah, which was called Yathrib at the time).
The land on which the mosque was built belonged to two orphans, Sahl and Suhail, and was used as a place for drying dates. The Prophet planned the mosque’s structure to occupy a 50 by 49 meter tract of land and built it facing Jerusalem, the Muslim’s Qibla at the time. He dug the foundation and used palm leaves for the roof and trunks of palm trees as columns.
The Prophet also built his mosque with three doors, one of which was in the back and was called “Atikah” or the “Door of Mercy,” while the other was the “Door of Gabriel” and was the Prophet’s preferred entrance.
In the back of the mosque, there was a shady area for sheltering the poor and strangers known as “Al-Saffa.”
Prophet Muhammad did not build a roof for the entire mosque, so when it rained, water would drip on worshippers. The worshippers asked the Prophet to support the roof with mud, but he refused and said: “No, an arish like that of Moses” — a trellis roof like that of Moses.
In its early days, the mosque’s floor was not covered with anything until in 3 AH (624 AD), when it was covered with pebbles.
When the Qibla was changed to face the Kaaba instead of Jerusalem, Al-Saffa, which was in the southern part of the mosque, was moved to the northern part. The back door was closed, and a new door was opened in the north.
The Prophet’s Mosque underwent its first expansion in the days of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab in 17 AH (638 AD). Caliph Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq did not work on expanding the mosque since he was busy with the Ridda Wars, also known as the Wars of Apostasy.
The mosque became very crowded with worshippers in the reign of Caliph Umar, so he bought the surrounding houses and included them in the mosque to expand it by 20 cubits from the west, 10 cubits from the south (the Qibla part), and 30 cubits from the north. No expansion, however, took place in the eastern part of the mosque as the rooms of the prophet’s wives were located there.
After that expansion, the mosque’s length became 140 cubits from north to south and its width 120 cubits from east to west. It was built in the same form chosen by Prophet Muhammad; the walls were built of bricks, palm-tree trunks were used as columns, the 11-cubit-high roof was made of palm leaves, and the flooring was made of garnet grits. Caliph Umar also added a 2-cubit-high smock to the mosque.
The expansion that took place in the days of Caliph Umar was estimated at about 1,100 square meters. It also gave the mosque six doors: Two in the east, two in the west, and two in the north.
During the reign of Caliph Othman in 29 AH (650 AD), the mosque became too small for the large number of worshippers, so he consulted the Prophet’s companions on expanding it and they found it a good idea.
Caliph Othman had the mosque’s walls built of carved stones and plaster, its columns of engraved stones and iron rods installed in lead, and its roof of teak wood. The six doors were left as they were following the expansion done by Caliph Umar.
The Prophet’s Mosque remained as it was after the expansion carried out by Caliph Othman and until the reign of Al-Walid bin Abdul-Malik in 88 AH (707 AD). Al-Walid wrote to the ruler of Madinah, Omar bin Abdul Aziz (86-93 AH / 705-712 AD), ordering him to buy the houses around the Prophet’s Mosque in order to expand it. He also directed him to include the rooms of the Prophet’s wives in the expansion.
Following the directives of Al-Walid, Omar bin Abdul Aziz expanded the Prophet’s Mosque and made the Prophet’s tomb part of it. Therefore, Al-Walid’s expansion was from three sides — east, north, and west — and the southern wall’s length became 84 meters, the northern wall 68, and the western one 100. The whole expansion was estimated at about 2,369 square meters.
The expansion during the reign of Al-Walid bin Abdul-Malik included building a hollow mihrab and minarets for the first time in the Prophet’s Mosque. A total of four minarets were built, one in every corner, as well as terraces on the mosque’s roof.
No expansion was done in the Prophet’s Mosque after Al-Walid’s expansion, but there were some repairs and renovations.
A fire erupted in the Prophet’s Mosque in 654 AH (1256 AD), and a number of Muslim caliphs and leaders contributed to restoring it. The first to contribute to was the last Abbasid Caliph, Al-Musta’sim Billah, who sent supplies and builders from Baghdad to fix the mosque in 655 AH (1257 AD).
The Abbasid caliphate ended with the fall of Baghdad at the hands of the Tatars. After that, a second fire erupted in 886 AH (1482 AD), destroying many parts of the mosque’s roof. Sultan Qaytbay, ruler of Egypt at the time, received word of the incident and, subsequently, sent supplies, workers, and materials and the mosque was roofed in 888 AH (1484 AD).
Qaytbay’s expansion, estimated at 120 square meters, was completed in 890 AH (1486 AD) and was the last done before the Ottoman and Saudi eras.
No change took place in the Prophet’s Mosque since Qaytbay’s expansion and reconstruction work for 387 years, but during this period, a lot of repair and renovation work was done to the minarets, walls, and doors, and the crescents above the minarets as well as the dome were replaced. Nevertheless, no complete demolition and reconstruction took place until the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid.
The Ottoman Caliph, Abdulmejid II, sent architects, builders, workers, supplies, and materials in 1265 AH (1849 AD) to reconstruct and expand the mosque. The process took 13 years. Materials used included red stone from Al-Jamawat Mountain west of Madinah (known today as Al-Haram Mountain). These stones were used for building columns, while walls were built of black basalt stone.
The largest expansion of all time in the Prophet’s Mosque took place during the reign of the late King Abdullah alongside his umbrella project. He ordered the installation of 250 umbrellas on the columns in the mosque’s courtyards to shade 143,000 square meters around the mosque. More than 800 worshippers can pray under each of these umbrellas.
Moreover, six tracks in the southern part of the mosque were shaded to protect pedestrians.
The umbrellas were specially made for the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque. They employ modern technology and operate with high proficiency. They were also tested in the manufacturing country and designed to be of two different heights to overlap and ensure no sun rays or rain reach worshippers. The height of the first group of umbrellas is 14.04 meters, while the second group is 15.03 meters tall. The height of all umbrellas when closed is 21.07 meters.
Madinah saw the largest expansion in the history of the Prophet’s Mosque in late 1433 AH (2012 AD), when King Abdullah laid the foundation stone to expand the mosque so it would be able to accommodate two million worshippers once the project was completed.
King Salman took up the torch after King Abdullah died, and stressed the importance of resuming work in the expansion project and other work that serves Islam and Muslims. Saudi Arabia’s leaders are all very keen to serve and enhance the Two Holy Mosques and provide all services in the holy sites so that pilgrims can easily complete Hajj and Umrah.
The Prophet’s Mosque: Great status and vast expansions in the Saudi era
The Prophet’s Mosque: Great status and vast expansions in the Saudi era
- The Prophet’s Mosque underwent its first expansion in the days of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab in 17 AH (638 AD)
- The largest expansion of all time in the Prophet’s Mosque took place during the reign of the late King Abdullah alongside his umbrella project
Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board
- Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
- The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.
The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.
Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.
Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.
A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”
Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.
According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
What Saudi Arabia’s ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential
- Saudi Arabia aims to turn its lava landscapes into tourist destinations, blending science, history, and outdoor adventure
- The Kingdom’s last major eruption occurred near Madinah in 1256, leaving a 20 km lava trail that is still visible today
JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today.
These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance.
“The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,” Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News.
“These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom’s total area.”
The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. “The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,” Al-Sehli said.
This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism.
From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region.
Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom’s tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level.
Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations.
“Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,” Al-Sehli said.
“Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah.
• Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination.
While some fields are still classified as “potentially active,” experts agree there is no cause for alarm.
“Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,” Al-Sehli said.
“Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.”
Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface.
Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant.
“In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,” Al-Sehli said.
With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage.
“There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,” Al-Sehli said. “The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.”
The Saudi Geological Survey’s role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs.
It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s volcanic past is protected for future generations.
From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom’s volcanic fields offer a window into Earth’s ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia.
These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.
King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah pioneers first robotic thoracic surgery with Da Vinci system
- Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, told Arab News that the launch of the service is a significant medical milestone
MAKKAH: King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah has successfully performed the first precise robotic thoracic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system.
Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, told Arab News that the launch of the service is a significant medical milestone, further solidifying the city’s role as a leading reference center for advanced specialized healthcare, driven by the latest innovations in medical and surgical technology.
“The first case involved a patient in his thirties who suffered from recurrent air accumulations in his left chest cavity, causing persistent breathing difficulties. Tests revealed cysts in the upper and lower lobes of his left lung. These cysts were successfully removed, and the lung was attached to the chest wall using a surgical robot during a delicate operation that took an hour and a half,” Tash said.
The operation was performed under the leadership of Dr. Muteb Al-Zaidi, a consultant in thoracic, esophageal, and gastric surgery, using robotic and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. He was assisted by Dr. Ayman Jaafar, assistant consultant in thoracic surgery, in collaboration with a specialized team from the anesthesia and nursing departments.
Tash said robotic surgery is characterized by the high precision provided by the 3D camera, and the ability to precisely access complex areas of the body with minimal intervention, which is reflected in reduced post-operative pain, accelerated recovery, and faster discharge of the patient from the hospital compared with traditional operations.
He said that traditional operations required surgical incisions that could be more than 10 centimeters whereas a single incision in robotic surgery does not exceed 1 cm, which reduces side effects and improves overall surgical outcomes.
Tash concluded by underscoring KAMC’s ongoing commitment to adopting the latest scientific technologies and providing advanced and safe healthcare services that contribute to improving patients’ quality of life and making the treatment experience a model to be emulated across the Kingdom and the region.
In this context, KAMC, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, launched the Da Vinci surgical system, positioning itself among the first healthcare institutions in the Western Region to adopt this state-of-the-art technology for intricate and high-precision surgeries. This step is expected to enhance the quality of medical services and elevate the patient experience, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The Da Vinci system is a robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with exceptional precision. Operated from a central console, the system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into highly refined, microscopic actions, enhanced by a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site. It comprises three key components: the surgeon console, where the surgeon directs the procedure via an advanced visual interface; the patient cart, which houses robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments and a high-resolution camera; and the vision cart, responsible for image transmission and visual processing. Crucially, the system is not autonomous. The entire operation is performed under the full control of a surgeon.
The system was first used at KAMC in a thoracic surgery, followed by a complex procedure for a patient with uterine cancer. The surgery was completed without complications, and the patient was discharged in less than 24 hours.
KAMC now plans to expand the system’s use to a wide range of specialties, including urology, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracic and cardiac procedures, bariatric surgery, and other advanced general surgeries.
The system offers a range of technical and medical advantages, including high-definition 3D visualization that allows surgeons to observe intricate anatomical details with exceptional clarity; ultra-precise instrument control that mimics the natural movement of the human hand with microscopic accuracy; and minimally invasive procedures through small incisions, which significantly reduce pain, blood loss, and the risk of infection.
Patients benefit from faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and improved surgical outcomes with lower complication rates compared with traditional surgery. Additionally, the system supports advanced surgical education and training through a safe, highly accurate simulation environment.
KAMC seeks to broaden the application of robotic surgery across additional subspecialties, advance physician training through immersive virtual reality simulations, and use smart analytics and artificial intelligence to elevate the precision, efficiency and overall quality of surgical outcomes.
Saudi Arabia reports five heat exhaustion cases among pilgrims, urges precautions amid soaring temperatures
- Kingdom’s National Center for Meteorology forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at holy sites during Hajj
MAKKAH: As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.
All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.
The country’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year’s Hajj season.
According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent.
In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue.
“If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,” the post stated.
The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate.
In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks.
The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year.
Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“Health efforts began early in pilgrims’ homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,” SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel.
The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom’s health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight.
As part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said.
To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.
The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims.
Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co.
In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior.
These were inaugurated “alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,” Al-Jalajel told SPA.
The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom’s health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud meets citizens of Taif Governorate
- Taif is fast becoming a major tourist hub in the Kingdom, with visitors arriving from around the world, including the Gulf, to enjoy its pristine environment and natural attractions during holiday celebrations
TAIF: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the citizens of Taif governorate.
It came during his recent meeting with several citizens from the governorate, in the presence of Deputy Gov. of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar.
Taif is fast becoming a major tourist hub in the Kingdom, with visitors arriving from around the world, including the Gulf, to enjoy its pristine environment and natural attractions during holiday celebrations.
The region is home to spacious valleys and ample water courses.
