HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a visit to the Quba Mosque.

HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, has announced the launch of King Salman Project, the largest expansion in the history of Quba Mosque, Islam’s first mosque ever, and the development of its surrounding area.

The project, named after Saudi King Salman, will see the total area of ​​the Quba Mosque being expanded to 50,000 sq m, around ten times its current area, and once completed, it will be able to accommodate 66,000 worshippers, reported SPA.

The Quba Mosque was  built in the first year of the Prophet’s Hijra, it stated.

Speaking at the launch, Prince Mohammed said the project is aimed at documenting the historical characteristics of Quba Centre, preserving its urban and old-fashioned architecture as well as protecting and preserving the historical monuments located near the mosque, it added.

“This project aims to achieve the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, within two objectives of serving pilgrims and the quality of life, as it will increase the area of ​​the mosque from 5,035 sq m to 50,000 sq m and enhance this historical Islamic landmark with the aim of enriching its visitor’s experience.

The project also includes the development and revival of 57 historical sites covering many wells, farms and orchards and linking three of the paths used by the Prophet, said the SPA report.

The King Salman Project is designed to link the existing Quba Mosque with shaded courtyards from four sides, and functionally and visually connect them to the independent prayer halls that are not structurally attached to the current mosque building. The key project also aims to provide all the necessary ancillary services required for the mosque.