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The hajj pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims each year, sometimes overwhelming host Saudi Arabia.

The Comprehensive Master Plan responds to the growing pressures from accelerated development for accommodating the millions of pilgrims journeying to the Holy Cities. It proposes to strike a balance between urbanism and protecting sacred and natural features to preserve the setting in which the rituals have been performed since the time of the Prophet (PBUH).

Forty-two inter-disciplinary reports (Mecca/Madinah combined) describe a coordinated and sustainable approach to urban development, transportation-infrastructure as well as environmental stewardship while maintaining focus on the sacred rituals of pilgrims.

The planning strategies, developed by Moriyama & Teshima/MMM Group, were presented to the Development Commissions of Mecca and Madinah and reviewed by international experts from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In August 2012, His Royal Highness, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and his Council of Ministers endorsed the Comprehensive Master Plan. Since then various agencies have been working towards implementation.

Links:
+ Pilgrimages Progress - The Toronto Star, April 2014
+ M&T Mecca Press Release (3.1 MB PDF File)
+ Toronto Star Mecca 5 Page Article (4.7 MB PDF File)