A beautiful aerial comparison video showing the Holy Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram in Makkah from 2005 to 2025 has gone viral. The side-by-side images and time-lapse clips highlight how much the sacred site has changed in just 20 years.
In 2005, the Kaaba stood surrounded by a smaller courtyard with fewer pilgrims visible from above. The Mataf looked more open and less crowded. The surrounding buildings were simpler, and the mosque had fewer modern expansions.
By 2025, the transformation is amazing. The Mataf area has been greatly expanded with new marble flooring and more space for worshippers. The Saudi government added massive shaded canopies, underground tunnels for pilgrims, and wider walkways.
The number of people performing Tawaf looks much larger, showing millions visiting every year. New high-rise towers, hotels, and facilities now surround the mosque, making it easier for pilgrims to stay, pray, and move safely.
These changes are part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term plans to improve Hajj and Umrah experiences. Projects like the King Abdullah Expansion and other upgrades have added more gates, better air-conditioning, and advanced crowd management systems.
The video, shared on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, received thousands of comments like “MashaAllah, so beautiful” and “Look how the House of Allah has grown.” Many people felt emotional seeing the growth of the holiest site in Islam. It reminds everyone of the increasing love for the Kaaba and the efforts to welcome more pilgrims from around the world.
This 20-year comparison shows progress, beauty, and devotion. The Kaaba remains the same center of faith, while the space around it keeps improving to serve millions better.
