Children's Hospitality Centers at the Prophet's Mosque: Free Services for Pilgrims in 1447 AH
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the highest quality services to pilgrims, the activation of children's hospitality centers at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina was officially announced as part of the early and intensive preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This free initiative, overseen by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, aims to provide a comprehensive system of care, education, and entertainment for children in a safe environment operating 24 hours a day, enabling pilgrims and visitors to perform their rituals and acts of worship with complete peace of mind and ease.
A historic development in serving the guests of God
Over the decades, services provided at the Two Holy Mosques have witnessed remarkable historical development, evolving from simply meeting basic needs to offering specialized, high-quality services that cater to the aspirations of all segments of society. Historically, childcare during Hajj and Umrah seasons has posed a significant challenge for families, prompting the wise leadership to devise innovative solutions. The launch of these centers is a continuation of the Kingdom's longstanding approach of harnessing all human and technological resources to serve pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques, and a culmination of ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places serving the guests of God at the forefront of its priorities.
Registration process for childcare centers at the Prophet's Mosque
The authority clarified that registration at the childcare centers in the Prophet's Mosque is done electronically through a streamlined system on the approved platform, ensuring seat availability and organizing the entry process. The strategic center is located in the northern courtyard of the Prophet's Mosque, opposite Gate 25. Entry procedures include checking the child's vital signs to ensure their health and providing them with a smart identification bracelet. For added security, the child is later released via a smart verification code sent directly to the parent's mobile phone. These centers are staffed by highly qualified and trained Saudi women who work with children using the latest early childhood education techniques.
The positive impact of providing a safe environment for children
These centers offer more than just temporary care; they have a far-reaching positive impact both locally and internationally. Locally, this initiative helps alleviate overcrowding within the Prophet's Mosque, facilitating smoother crowd flow and reducing the number of children getting lost during peak times. Regionally and internationally, providing such high-quality humanitarian services reflects the Kingdom's excellent image in crowd management and its commitment to creating a family-friendly environment. Enabling pilgrims from around the world to perform their rituals with focus and spirituality, knowing their children are in safe hands, leaves a profound psychological impact and strengthens the Kingdom's soft power as a leading destination for Islamic and humanitarian services.
Educational and entertainment programs with international standards
The centers welcome boys aged 3 to 6 and girls aged 3 to 9. Services extend beyond security, encompassing interactive and engaging content that introduces children to the rituals of Hajj and the Prophet's biography. They also offer simplified Quran memorization and supplication sessions, and dedicated spaces for artistic and creative activities that develop children's sensory and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the center provides daily healthy meals, comfortable rooms, and a comprehensive safety system that includes surveillance cameras covering all areas and smart doors for controlled entry and exit, ensuring professional care befitting the sanctity of the Prophet's Mosque.
