The Makkah Gate, which is also known as Qur’an Gate, is an arch monumental gateway at the entrance to Makkah from the Jeddah side and it is situated within the Haram border, 27 km from the Grand Mosque. The Mayoralty of Makkah has begun temporary maintenance works of this majestic looking Makkah Gate located on Makkah-Jeddah Expressway.
The maintenance work involves modification and repair of some parts of the model damaged due to the passage of long period of time since its construction four decades ago, as informed by Osama Zaitouni, spokesman of the mayoralty. The maintenance works include removing waste, maintaining environmental cleanliness, preventing the accumulation of pests and insects, examining the safety of wiring and electrical connections, and temporary repair of the damage.
Zaitouni said that the missing parts would be replaced by GRC panels, featuring lightweight sheet metal panels to ensure that they do not fall and have the ability to withstand all weather conditions.
Prefabricated steel angles will be used in installing sheet panels and fixing them to the metal body of the structure in technical ways that ensure their safety and preserving their aesthetic appearance.
Stand cable trays will be used in the installation of GRC panels to ensure the strength of installation and increase safety rates with the cable tray installed in the metal body of the structure by welding and closing all existing openings to prevent entry of pigeons.
The model was designed by the Saudi plastic artist Diaa Aziz. The Gate was built in 1979 and its architect was Samir Elabd. The giant project was implemented at a cost of SR46 million on an area spreading over 4,712 square meters. The main part of the gate is structure of a huge open Holy Book sitting on a Qur’an stand. Reinforced concrete was used as primary building material, in addition to plastic, glass, wood and other materials.
Whole structure is decorated with various patterns and can get illuminated at night in many different ways. The magnificent structure covers eight lanes of traffic, including a center highway divider.
The sides of the stand have beautiful blue and green glass windows attached to the walls. Under the Makkah Gate structure, the Saudi government has planted palm trees between the four-lane incoming and outgoing roads to Makkah and Jeddah.
