Mosque extension offers new signage potential
The construction of a massive extension in one of the world's biggest mosques could provide new opportunities for manufacturers of LED displays.
Forthcoming building work on the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca will be capable of holding some 500,000 more worshippers, the Arab News reports.
Built under orders from Saudi Arabian King Abdullah Mecca, the extension will create more space for prayer in the northern sides of the building, mayor Osama Al-Bar revealed.
He also added that the construction would include pedestrian tunnels and service stations.
Commenting on the new building work, Mr Al-Bar told the publication: "This is one of the largest development projects related to the Grand Mosque and will change the face of Makkah."
The Shoura Council has also called for sunshades to be installed on the mosque's roof to provide protection from the heat, as well as escalators to ease the pressure and crowding of worshippers during peak prayer sessions.
Security was stepped up at the Grand Mosque with increased signage during last year's Hajj pilgrimage to protect the estimated two million pilgrims who pack in to the holy site from around the world.
Tuesday, 22nd January 2008
