Saudi Arabia Boosts Grand Mosque Services for Ramadan's Final 10 Days
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has activated comprehensive plans to welcome worshippers during the last ten days of Ramadan. Initiatives include expanded facilities, sanitation, and crowd management systems, aiming to support a large number of worshipers during this time. Expanded Facilities and Services
Teams have intensified efforts to sanitize prayer areas, replace carpets, and distribute Zamzam water. Over 20 daily oud-based perfuming rounds ensure a pristine environment. Additionally, 38 inquiry desks and rapid cleaning crews operate across the mosque.
Moreover, to prevent overcrowding, the authority deployed 428 escalators, 28 elevators, and 1,300 speakers. Cooling systems powered by 90,000-ton energy sources maintain comfort. Special prayer zones for the elderly and disabled are also available. Specialized Care for Visitors
Additionally, a 24/7 childcare center and ritual-assistance carts cater to families. Dedicated Itikaf areas and free luggage storage enhance convenience. Furthermore, a unified transport booking platform streamlines pilgrim movements. Thousands of staff and advanced equipment ensure seamless services. Real-time monitoring systems address concerns promptly, reflecting the authority's commitment to visitor satisfaction.
Through meticulous planning, the authority aims to deliver a safe, comfortable worship experience during Islam's holiest nights.
Short link :
Post Views: 1
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic' experience ahead of departure
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year's Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday. As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage. June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina. Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services. Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries. In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta'ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites. PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center. Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a 'very good' experience for Hajj. 'The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,' Taqi said. Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: 'The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn't any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.' He added: 'Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.' Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj. He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: 'I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.' Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj. Describing the services provided to the group, he said: 'We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.' He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, 'who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.' Al-Wishah added: 'May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.' Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place. Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: 'I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.' According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7. In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year's Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out. The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah. The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry's various medical centers.
Saudi Gazette
17 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Madinah completes preparations to receive pilgrims via bus and train after Hajj
Saudi Gazette Report MADINAH — Government authorities in Madinah have finalized their preparations to receive the influx of pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque following the completion of their Hajj rituals. The coordinated efforts reflect Madinah's commitment to ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching post-Hajj experience for the pilgrims. Under the direct supervision of Emir of Madinah Region and Chairman of the Hajj and Visitation Committee Prince Salman bin Sultan, relevant agencies are executing comprehensive operational plans tailored to the post-Hajj season. The first groups of returning pilgrims are set to arrive Sunday evening, Dhul Hijjah 12, via bus and the Haramain High-Speed Train. Authorities are actively monitoring field operations to ensure smooth traffic on key routes, including the Hijrah Expressway, and have implemented precautionary measures to maintain high levels of security and traffic fluidity along the Qassim and Tabuk roads leading into Madinah. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque has launched an integrated plan to prepare the mosque and its facilities to receive pilgrims in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. A total of 141 mosque doors will be opened to accommodate male and female pilgrims, with 100 designated pathways staffed by spatial guidance teams to organize movement within the mosque complex. Special arrangements have been made to manage access to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif, with entry regulated through pre-booked appointments on official applications, ensuring adherence to crowd capacity and providing a smooth experience. Informational digital screens guide visitors through designated entry points, and Zamzam water bottles are distributed to enhance their spiritual visit. These efforts aim to facilitate voluntary prayers in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif and allow the largest possible number of pilgrims to offer greetings to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and to his two companions.
Saudi Gazette
17 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Prophet's Mosque hosts over 12 million worshippers in 2 weeks
Saudi Gazette Report MADINAH — The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque provided a comprehensive package of services to pilgrims during the pre-Hajj period, reflecting its continuous care for worshippers and visitors and its commitment to facilitating their worship in a safe and organized environment. According to recently released statistics, 12,914,153 worshippers visited the Prophet's Mosque between Dhul Qada 15 and Dhul Hijjah 1, with the Holy Rawdah receiving 666,580 visitors during the same timeframe. Beyond facilitating prayer, the authority extended a wide array of services to pilgrims. These included providing transportation services in the courtyards to 161,802 beneficiaries, distributing 301,802 Iftar meals to those fasting, and supplying 218,336 bottles of Zamzam water, with total Zamzam consumption reaching 3,360 tons. Environmental care and cleanliness were also paramount. Teams removed 312 tons of waste and used 41,675 liters of disinfectants and sterilizers throughout the mosque, with an additional 10,950 liters allocated for other facilities. To further enhance the spiritual ambiance, the mosque was perfumed with seven kilograms of incense and 39 liters of luxurious perfumes and oils. These extensive efforts reflect the profound care provided by the wise leadership to the Prophet's Mosque and are a key part of the approved operational plans for the Hajj season, aimed at delivering the finest services to pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and peace of mind during their visit.
