For the first time, questions are being raised about the intellectual property rights surrounding Islam’s holiest site, the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has granted four patents to King Saud University, protecting the unique architectural design of the mosque’s third expansion.
This official recognition marks an unprecedented moment in the history of Islamic architecture, firmly establishing Saudi Arabia as a global innovator in the design of sacred spaces. The patents don’t safeguard the physical structures themselves, but rather the ingenious planning that will serve millions of pilgrims for generations to come.
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The project began with a royal decree in 2008, when King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz approved a proposal from King Saud University. A 16-year scientific endeavor, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Muqrin, culminated in a revolutionary concept based on the idea of “Sacred Rings.”
The innovative design features three circular structures embracing the Kaaba, centered around King Abdullah Gate. Open pathways to the sky, separating the structures, originate from the heart of the holy sites, while upper-level bridges connect the blocks in an architectural harmony that maintains the Kaaba’s centrality as the focus of prayer and movement.
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Six specialized teams from five Saudi universities contributed to this achievement. Professor Saleh Al-Sayed led the technical team, Dr. Samir Zahra Al-Layali headed the architectural team, and Professor Yousef Al-Suloom oversaw the structural aspects.
Managing the movement of massive crowds was the responsibility of Professor Abdul Rahim Al-Zahrani, while Dr. Ibrahim Habib Allah led the electromechanical team, and Dr. Khaled Al-Jammaz headed the environment and sustainability team. This national collaboration was key to transforming the vision into tangible patents.
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The forward-thinking vision extends beyond the current expansion. The design units are repeatable in phases, starting with extending the three blocks towards the Kaaba, and continuing with replicating them towards the King Fahd and King Abdulaziz Gates, demonstrating a rare architectural flexibility.
The result is a unique model that balances the sanctity of the place with the demands of the modern era, now protected by four Saudi patents, safeguarding an Islamic architectural legacy that will stand as a testament to leadership for generations to come. The expansion represents a significant investment in preserving and enhancing the experience for pilgrims.
