Masjid al-Haram
Islam's holiest mosque in Mecca
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2024 | Waleed Al-Shamsan and Badr Al-Turki appointed as Guest Imams during Ramadan, with plans to become permanent imams in October. |
2022 | Saud Al-Shuraim resigned as Imam and Khatib after 30 years of service. |
2021 | Hajj visa allocation increased to 60,000 people, showing a gradual return to normal pilgrimage operations. |
2020 | Only 10,000 people were granted Hajj visas, significantly reduced from normal years due to pandemic restrictions. |
October 4 2020 | Umrah service resumed with a gradual first phase, limited to Saudi citizens and expatriates within the Kingdom at 30 percent capacity. |
March 5 2020 | During the COVID-19 pandemic, Masjid al-Haram began closing at night and suspended the Umrah pilgrimage to limit attendance and prevent virus spread. |
2019 | Abdullah Awad Al Juhany and Bandar Baleela appointed as Khateebs, and Yasser Al-Dosari appointed as Imam. |
September 2018 | Khalid al Ghamdi retired as Imam and Khatib of Masjid al-Haram after 10 years of service. |
July 2018 | Saleh Al-Talib removed from his position as Imam and subsequently imprisoned by Saudi authorities. |
September 2017 | Construction work on the mosque expansion project was restarted after being on hold for two years following the 2015 crane collapse and financial issues during the oil glut. |
September 11 2015 | A crane collapsed at the mosque, resulting in at least 111 deaths and 394 injuries, leading to a suspension of construction work. |
July 2015 | King Salman launched five megaprojects as part of the King Abdullah Expansion Project, covering a significant area of the mosque complex. |
2013 | Bandar Baleela appointed as Imam of Masjid al-Haram. |
2012 | Abraj Al Bait complex was completed, including the 601-meter tall Makkah Royal Clock Tower. |
August 2011 | King Abdullah announced detailed expansion plans to cover a larger area, accommodate 1.2 million worshippers, add a gate named after him, two new minarets, and expand circumambulation areas around the Kaaba. |
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