June 30, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES AND THE CROWN PRINCE VISIT THE PROPHET'S MOSQUE, PERFORM PRAYERS AND GREET PROPHET MOHAMMED (PEACE BE UPON HIM) AND HIS COMPANIONS. KING ABDULLAH PATRONIZES IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CROWN PRINCE THE INAUGURATION OF A PROJECT FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE EASTERN COURTYARD OF THE PROPHET'S MOSQUE AND THE SETTING UP OF 182 LARGE UMBRELLAS TO PROVIDE SHADE AROUND THE BUILDING. A GRAND CELEBRATION HELD BY THE CITIZENS OF AL MADINA AL MUNAWARAH IN HONOUR OF THE ROYAL VISIT. KING ABDULLAH ANNOUNCES THE CONVERSION OF PRINCE MOHAMMAD IBN ABDUL AZIZ AIRPORT TO AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz visited the Prophet's mosque in Al Madinah Al Munawarah and performed prayers and offered greetings to the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions. At the venue, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques accompanied by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, was received by a number of officials. A number of princes also accompanied the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during his visit to the Prophet's mosque. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, visited the Prophet's mosque in Al Madinah Al Munawarah and performed prayers and greeted the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions. At the venue, Crown Prince Sultan was received by a number of officials. A number of major welfare projects worth SR9 billion, including expansion of the Prophet's Mosque to create space for 270,000 additional worshippers, three hospitals and a university campus, were launched in Madinah by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz during his visit to the Holy City,. The expansion works of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah costing SR4.7 billion, include construction of the eastern courtyard covering 35,000 square metres to accommodate about 70,000 people. A total of 182 umbrellas will also be installed to provide shade to some 200,000 worshippers. King Abdullah was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival in the city. Several senior officials of the province, including Governor Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Majid received the king and his entourage. King Abdullah had announced the expansion projects soon after taking over as king in August last year. The project includes construction of two basement floors for public utility services, especially parking lots for cars and buses. The expansion project will include the completion of the King Faisal Road and construction of more toilets and tunnels. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques arrived in Madinah from the central region of Qassim on the seventh leg of a national tour that has taken him to Jubail, Al Khobar, Qatif, Ahsa and Hail. The expansion of the eastern courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque and the setting up of 182 large umbrellas to provide shade around the building will create additional prayer area for a total of 270,000 worshippers at a time, the sources said. The expansion, ordered by the king, will cost SR4.7 billion, Madinah Governor Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed said. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz graced a luncheon held in his honor by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al Madinah Al Munawarah. The function was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior; Prince Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud; Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh region, Prince Khalid Ibn Faisal Ibn Saad Ibn Abdul Rahman, Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; other princes, ministers; and senior civil and military officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz has expressed optimism that the Islamic and Arab Ummah regain its early status and unite against all challenges. The King made these remarks in an address at a ceremony he patronized in the presence of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General. During the ceremony, he laid the foundation stones for a number of projects including the expansions of the eastern parks and shades against sun-shine and protective covers from rains at the Prophet's mosque. King Abdullah expressed his pleasure to be in the city of light (Madinah Al-Munawarah) with the grand sons of the Prophet's companions. Ever since the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz, King Abdullah said "We have been serving Islam and Muslims and we should be proud of this which cannot be matched to any worldly things." "In view of Madinah's sacred status in the Islamic world, I am pleased to announce the conversion of Prince Mohammad Ibn Abdul Aziz Airport to an International Airport," King Abdullah said. The King also thanked Madinah people for their generosity, wishing them success and happiness. Among the other projects opened by King Abdullah are also the new headquarters of Al Madinah region governorate: and phase I of Taiba university projects. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques laid the foundation stone of phase ii of the university's city for both males and females: training units of the general establishment for technical education and vocational training: and Al-Rashid mega mall. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah region, welcomed King Abdullah and reiterated the pledge of allegiance and faithfulness of Madinah people for the Monarch. Prince Abdul Aziz thanked King Abdullah for his royal and noble deeds and his personal donations announced recently for the benefit of the citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including the establishment of several universities and colleges; numerous mega industrial and economic projects and several charities. Prince Abdul Aziz also thanked the former governors of Madinah region, namely Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz for their efforts to serve the inhabitants and visitors of Madinah in the most proper manner. Meanwhile, King Abdullah accompanied by Crown Prince Sultan also laid in Madinah the foundation stone of Economic Knowledge City-King Abdullah Establishment for his Parents, which is constructed by the establishment and the general Investment Authority (GIA). This is the third economic city within the GIA plan, to be built at a total cost of SR25 billion on an area of 4.8 million square meters. Immediately upon his arrival, King Abdullah watched a visual display of the project and listened to an explanation of two preliminary models of the city which includes Taibah technical Complex, an Interactive Museum for the Prophet's Biography, Islamic Civilization Studies Center, a Complex for Medical Studies; Biological Sciences and Medical Services, Commercial Centers in addition to housing units for nearly 200, 000 people. Moreover, the project is expected to create 20, 000 job opportunities. King Abdullah, then, handed the license of the project to the investors along with King Abdullah Establishment for his Parents. The occasion was attended by Princes and senior Saudi officials. Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah region said the King's visit to Madinah reflected the special place it has in the hearts of the Saudi leadership. He also commended the King for making necessary financial allocations for the expansion of the Prophet's Mosque, the second holiest mosque in Islam, and for his efforts to enhance the facilities and welfare of both citizens and pilgrims. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz arrived in Al-Madinah Al Munawarah coming from Qassim within his tour of a number of regions to take care of the citizens, follow-up the progress in developmental projects and lay the foundation stone of or open new ones. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was received at Prince Mohammad Ibn Abdul Aziz airport by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid Ibn Faisal Ibn Turki Al Saud, Under Secretary of the National Guard at the Western sector, Prince Mishaal Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Jeddah province, Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al Madinah Al Monawarah; Prince Faisal Ibn Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Sultan Ibn Bandar Al-Faisal; Prince Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz; other princes, and senior civil and military officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was accompanied by a number of princes and senior officials. Earlier in the day, King Adbullah left Qassim. He was seen off by Prince Faisal Ibn Bandar Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Qassim region; Prince Dr. Faisal Ibn Mishaal Ibn Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor of Qassim region: other princes, and senior civil and military officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, arrived in Al-Madinah Al Munawarah coming from Qassim. Crown Prince Sultan was received at Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz airport by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, governor of Al Madinah region, other princes, and senior civil and military officials. Crown Prince Sultan was accompanied by a number of princes and senior officials. Earlier in the day, Crown Prince Sultan left Qassim. He was seen off by Prince Faisal Ibn Bandar Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Qassim region; Prince Dr. Faisal Ibn Mishaal Ibn Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor of Qassim region; other princes, and senior civil and military officials. A number of senior officials and social dignitaries expressed welcome and pleasure of the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to Al Madinah. In statements to the Saudi Press Agency, they classified the move as part of a systematic approach of the king's predecessors, since the days of the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia late King Abdul Aziz and his sons. Citing announced plans to lay the foundation stone of or open new developmental projects in Al Madinah region, they said the era of King Abdullah augers well. On the distinguished character of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, they said he never compromises to enforce Sharia law, justice and fairness or defend the unity and sovereignty of the country. He supports the poor and spares no effort to solve the problems facing the people, they added. Those interviewed were Ibrahim Ibn Shakhboot Al Sultan, Governor of Yanbu Province; Ahmed Ibn Abdullah Al Sidairi, Governor of Al-Ola Province; Mubarak Ibn Homood Al Nami, Governor of Badr Province; Ghalib Al Mohammadi, Governor of Khayber Province; Sheikh Salih Al Mihaimeed, Chief of Al Madinah Region Courts; Eng. Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Rahman Al Hossein, Mayor of Al Madinah Region; Eng. Abdul Kareem Ibn Salim Al Hanini, Under Secretary of Al Madinah Governorate; and Eng. Ibrahim Al Ahmadi, General Supervisor of Al Madinah Governor's office. Madinah, which lies 447 kilometers north of the Holy City of Makkah, is the second holiest city in Islam. It was to Madinah that the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, and his followers, faced by the hostility and persecution of the Makkhan merchants, departed in 622 AD - and, when the citizens of Madinah asked the Prophet to live amongst them and to arbitrate in their affairs (an invitation taken to mean their rejection of polytheism and submission to the will of the one God, Allah), it was in Madinah that the Islamic era began. Madinah is then the city of the Prophet. As the place in which the Holy Qur'an was compiled and from which the Prophet's companions administered the affairs of the Muslim community, it was the seat of the first Islamic state. From Madinah, armies, spreading the word of the Prophet, were dispatched to Egypt, Persia and Syria. Madinah is also the place in which the Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, is buried. The expansion and development plans formulated by the late King Fahd God bless his soul for the Prophet's Mosque in the Holy City of Madinah were as ambitious as those for the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Work on the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah was launched in 1985 (1405/06 AH) and the Mosque can now accommodate in excess of one million worshippers at the busiest times. A unique feature of the expansion project was the development of the 27 main plazas. Each plaza is now capped by a state-of-the-art sliding dome, which can be rapidly opened or closed according to the weather and can be used in unison or separately as required. Elaborately carved stone friezes decorate the domes, and the plazas have been paved in decorative geometrically patterned marble tiles. The project also necessitated the building of six additional minarets, each 105-meter construction crowned with a 4 ton gold-plated crescent. The development of the surrounding open areas and the seven newly constructed entrances ensure the smooth passage of pilgrims into the Prophet's Mosque. Indeed, the designers of the entire project have masterfully considered every eventuality of the existing and future capacity of the Mosque, and all this within the constraints of the existing architectural pattern. The building extensions have therefore been fitted out with a suitable number of staircases and escalators. The designers have added an extension to the roof area for praying purposes, whilst also allowing for the possibility of adding another floor to accommodate worshippers in the future. Like the splendidly redeveloped Holy Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque is now fully air-conditioned. The comfort of worshippers has been further enhanced, however, by the unique and ingeniously conceived shading system. Twelve enormous mechanically operated Teflon umbrellas, six in each court of the Mosque, have been developed by architects to protect pilgrims and help them withstand the high temperatures. The Prophet's Mosque project also includes provision of extensive car parking facilities and the construction of a new dual carriageway, the Bab Alsalam Road, linking Madinat Alhujaj on the western side of the Holy City of Madinah to the site of the Mosque. A labyrinth of service tunnels, drainage systems and supply networks also now criss-crosses the area. In fact, the magnitude of support services made it necessary to construct a vast basement complex in which to accommodate the service equipment and wiring needs, as well as various other maintenance works. The reconstructed main gate leading into the Mosque site, the new King Fahd entrance, is situated on the northern side, and is topped with a profusion of domes and minarets on both sides. The exquisite decorations and architectural touches here and elsewhere are in complete harmony with earlier building work on the site, and they feature wonderfully crafted golden grilles, cornices, pillars, brass doors and marble works, as well as special ornately carved pigeon holes for the Holy Qur'an.