The marbling of the Islamic Center grounds has begun today.
A large section of the mosque grounds have been closed off for the duration of the process. Paved ares in the ground and the road in front of the National Art Gallery had been removed. Housing Ministry has said the project will be completed before the start of Ramadan.
The Chinese Government had handed over US$ 1.14 million grant for the project.
Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizz said once completed the area will be able to house a large prayer congregations if and when required. Minister said the revamped area will greatly enhance the Center. He added that an area of 5000 sqft will be cleared. Dr. Muizz added that the area will be shaded by large umbrellas, modeled after the ones in the Prophet's Mosque.
Housing Ministry had taken the down outer walls and closed off the road outside the mosque to create a larger area for prayers. The Ministry said with those changes the mosque's capacity had increased to over 20000.
