Childcare centers in the Two Holy Mosques: Locations and registration requirements

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the services provided to visitors of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques places great importance on creating a spiritually enriching environment for worshippers and pilgrims. Among these high-quality services is the provision of childcare centers within the Two Holy Mosques , a progressive initiative aimed at providing a safe and comfortable environment for children, enabling their families to perform their rituals and acts of worship with ease, tranquility, and devotion.

The importance of childcare centers in improving the visitor experience

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges families may face while visiting the Two Holy Mosques. Previously, bringing children, especially during peak times and seasons like Ramadan and Hajj, could be a source of anxiety for parents who feared they would get lost in the crowds, or that children's crying and movement might disrupt the focus of other worshippers. Therefore, these centers offer an ideal solution that combines childcare with preserving the spiritual atmosphere of the holy sites.

Services provided and center environment

These centers are not merely waiting areas; they are designed to be safe educational and recreational spaces. They typically feature the following:

• Specialized staff: The children are supervised by a team of qualified caregivers and educational supervisors who are trained to deal with different age groups.
• Educational and recreational programs: Activities are offered that are appropriate to the sanctity of the place, such as teaching short surahs, telling stories of the prophets, teaching Islamic manners, in addition to physical and mental games that develop the child’s skills.
• Safety standards: The centers are subject to the highest security and safety standards, including strict monitoring systems and handover and collection procedures to ensure the child is returned safely to his family.

Locations and how to benefit from the service

The Authority is keen to distribute these centers in strategic locations near the courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques for easy access. These centers are often located in the King Abdullah Expansion (the Third Saudi Expansion) and in the eastern courtyards, in addition to designated areas within the Prophet's Mosque. The registration process typically requires the guardian to present their national ID or passport, verify the child's information, and adhere to the designated visiting hours, which often coincide with the times of the five daily prayers, including Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.

Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The children's hospitality center project falls under the umbrella of the "Serving the Guests of God" program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. These efforts aim to enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors, facilitate the hosting of more pilgrims, and provide high-quality services that reflect the honorable image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims. Caring for children within the Two Holy Mosques is a message of mercy and compassion that fosters peace of mind among pilgrims and visitors.