Expansion of al-Masjid an-Nabawi to end in 2 years

Saudi Arabia is planning to complete within two years the construction efforts to expand the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina with an estimated cost of 37.5 billion dollars. There are projects on the way for modernization in Medina and further expansion of Medina's Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the second holiest site in Islam, said Saudi sources on Friday. The projects include new constructions and infrastructure investments in areas such as health, education and road-building. When completed, "The Prophet's Mosque" is proposed to expand as to host 1.6 million people at prayers. In Medina, the "2013 Capital of Islamic Culture", Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz observed the projects which were approved by Saudi King Abdollah.