Successive Saudi expansions increase capacity of Prophet’s Mosque to 1.8 million worshippers
- Mar 6
- 1 min read
RIYADH, March 6, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah has undergone a series of major expansions during the Saudi era aimed at facilitating the movement of worshippers and visitors while preserving its Islamic architectural character.
The first Saudi expansion began in 1952 (1372 AH) and continued until 1955 (1375 AH), adding about 16,326 square meters to the mosque and increasing its capacity to nearly 28,000 worshippers.
A second expansion was launched in 1985 (1406 AH) and completed in 1994 (1414 AH), covering the main building, roof and surrounding courtyards. After completion, the total area of the mosque reached around 300,000 square meters with a capacity of about 698,000 worshippers.
The largest expansion in the mosque’s history began in 2012 (1433 AH) as part of the third Saudi expansion of the Two Holy Mosques.
The project increased the Prophet’s Mosque capacity to about 1.8 million worshippers and included the development of surrounding courtyards, infrastructure and service facilities in line with modern engineering standards.
The expansion introduced wide corridors, shaded areas and additional prayer spaces, along with modern amenities designed to improve the experience of worshippers and visitors, including people with disabilities.
Under the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia has continued development projects related to the two holy mosques, including directives to complete the third Saudi expansion.
Saudi authorities say these projects reflect the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to serving pilgrims and visitors and maintaining the two holy mosques.
The Prophet’s Mosque today ranks among the largest mosques in the world and receives millions of worshippers and visitors annually.
