Ka’bah Courtyard:
Ka’bah courtyard or Mataf: It is the courtyard tiled with white marble that surrounds the honorable Ka’bah. Currently, it is called the “courtyard,” in which Muslims walk around the Kab’ah. It is also called Mataf (circumambulation area), which refers to the act of going around the Ka’bah.

The Abbasid Corridor:
The Abbasid corridor dates back to the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi. This corridor has undergone many innovations down the ages and during the Saudi expansions of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

Saudi Expansions:
Saudi leaders have prioritized improving and expanding the Grand Mosque of Makkah to keep pace with the increasing number of Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims. During the reign of King Saud, the first expansions of the Grand Mosque were commenced in 1375 AH. The Grand Mosque was further expanded in 1409 and in 1428AH.

Outer Courtyards:
In the second Saudi expansion, large courtyards surrounding the Grand Mosque were created and prepared for prayer, especially during the crowded seasons. They were tiled with heat-resisting marble.

Roof of the Grand Mosque:
The second Saudi expansion exploited the roof of the Grand Mosque. The roof was tiled with heat-resisting marble. In the third Saudi expansion, escalators were installed to carry worshipers to the roof and the first floor during Hajj-high and crowded seasons.

Gates of the Grand Mosque:
Many gates lead to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Each Gate has a specific number.
Above each gate, a light panel, recognizable from a distance, displays either an entry or exit sign.

The five main gates of the Grand Mosque:

King Abdulaziz Gate: No. 1 in the Western Square

Bab Safa, Gate: No. 11 in the direction of Sa’i walkway (Masa’a)

Bab al-Fatah, Gate: No. 45 in the North Square

Bab Umrah, The Umrah Gate: No. 62 in the North Square

King Fahd Gate: No. 79 in the Western Square