Key gates and bridges designated at Grand Mosque to manage Ramadan crowds
Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — As the number of worshippers and Umrah performers surges during the final ten days of Ramadan, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has implemented organized entry and exit routes at the Grand Mosque to ensure smooth movement and reduce congestion.
Designated main gates, easily identifiable by their minarets, include King Abdulaziz Gate (1), King Fahd Gate (79), and King Abdullah Gate (100). These serve as primary access points for worshippers entering and leaving the mosque.
To access the Mataf (circumambulation area) on the first floor, worshippers are advised to use Shubaika Bridge, Ajyad Bridge, and the Al-Arqam Bridge entrance.
For those exiting from the Al-Masa'a area on both the ground and first floors, available exits include Al-Safa Gate (13), Prophet Mohammed Gate, Al-Marwah Gate, Al-Marwah Bridge, and the Al-Marwah Wheelchair Bridge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims perform ritual of stoning at Jamarat on third day
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Pilgrims began the ritual of throwing pebbles at the three Jamarat on the second Day of Tashreeq on Sunday afternoon amid an atmosphere of spirituality and faith under a meticulously planned organization by the relevant authorities. Chanting 'Allahu Akbar'' (God is the greatest), pilgrims hurled stones first at Jamarat Al-Sugra (small pillar), then at Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium pillar) and lastly at Jamarat Al-Aqaba (largest pillar), seven times each. They prayed after stoning the first two pillars and quit quickly after stoning at the third Jamarat, following the tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The movement of pilgrims across the Jamarat Bridge was smooth, with worshipers easily navigating their paths, whether they were heading to perform the stoning ritual, returning to their accommodations in Mina, or traveling to Makkah to perform the Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf). After performance of the stoning rituals, pilgrims in a hurry, then swiftly proceeded to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wida, the last obligatory ritual of Hajj. The Grand Mosque received several batches of pilgrims, who arrived from Mina to perform the Tawaf Al-Wida, before heading to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah or to their home. The pilgrims were seen in a spiritually elevated and euphoric mood after completing their lifetime spiritual journey. The pilgrims' performance of the stoning ritual and heading to Makkah to perform tawaf are being held smoothly under a comprehensive organizational and security plans designed to ensure the highest levels of safety and comfort for pilgrims throughout their movements and the performance of their rituals.
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.
Arab News
19 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's investments transform pilgrimage experience for millions
Saudi Arabia has made remarkable and unprecedented investments over the years in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites like Arafat and Muzdalifah to provide a safer, more efficient, and spiritually enriching experience for worshippers performing Umrah and Hajj. To enhance this experience, the Kingdom launched the Pilgrims Service Program in 2016 as part of the Vision 2030 reform plan. It aims to enable as many Muslims as possible to perform Hajj and Umrah in the best way, offering a profound and lasting spiritual experience through comprehensive arrangements at the holy sites. It also seeks to embody Islam's universal message, improve tourist and cultural destinations, and provide exceptional services before, during, and after visits to Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has invested generously in the Two Holy Mosques and surrounding sites to enhance the pilgrim experience, especially as the Kingdom aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. The anticipated surge in Umrah pilgrims highlights the need to expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and preserve the holy sites — efforts requiring billions in government investment. Advanced technologies are used during Hajj and Umrah to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and the overall pilgrim experience, aligning with Vision 2030's push to digitally transform religious services. I extend my best wishes to the Saudi government for its outstanding efforts and exceptional services to pilgrims, praying it continues to receive Allah's blessings One key innovation is the Nusuk smart card, which stores personal, medical, and residency information, facilitates access to services, and enables real-time pilgrim tracking. AI and big data analytics aid crowd management through intelligent surveillance and predictive modeling to optimize movement, reduce congestion, and prevent stampedes. Drones monitor crowds and provide live aerial footage, boosting safety and situational awareness. Additionally, the Nusuk platform allows pilgrims to book Umrah permits, accommodation, and transportation. The Saudi government has also launched numerous expansion projects at the Two Holy Mosques, other holy sites, and airports. For example, the Grand Mosque expansion in Makkah cost more than SR200 billion ($53.3 billion), while airports in Jeddah and Madinah exceeded SR100 billion. Road projects in Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah totaled SR68 billion, and the Jamarat facility cost about SR4 billion. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah in 120 minutes. Spanning 450 km through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, it handles up to 60 million passengers annually and runs at speeds up to 300 km/h. With an investment of SR63 billion, it is the fastest train service in the Middle East and North Africa. These investments reflect the Saudi government's strong commitment to Muslims worldwide and its leading role in the Islamic world. It also strives to ensure pilgrims have a seamless, spiritually fulfilling experience — through initiatives starting before arrival and continuing until they return home safely. The Saudi government's investments and facilities have greatly encouraged Muslims worldwide to perform Umrah and Hajj, resulting in a steady year-on-year increase in pilgrims. According to the 2024 Saudi Vision Performance Report, the Kingdom reached a record 16.92 million Umrah pilgrims, surpassing the annual target of 11.3 million. The General Authority for Statistics states that Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 95 million Hajj pilgrims in the past 50 years. In closing, I extend my best wishes to the Saudi government for its outstanding efforts and exceptional services to pilgrims, praying it continues to receive Allah's blessings. • Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
