Hajj and Umrah authorities identify 25 prohibited violations for the safety of visitors
has issued Hajj and Umrah a comprehensive guide entitled "Umrah and Visit Guide," which includes an extensive set of instructions and regulations aimed at raising awareness among pilgrims to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This guide identifies 25 violations that must be avoided, most notably smoking, raising political slogans, and crowding, as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and provide a safe and accessible environment for worship.
A developmental vision for serving the Hajj and Umrah system
These new regulations are an extension of the Kingdom's long history of efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques, during which the past decades have witnessed tremendous development in infrastructure and logistics. These measures are particularly important in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims and tourists annually, necessitating precise regulatory frameworks to ensure the smooth flow of movement and the safety of the millions of visitors.
The importance of these instructions is not limited to the local organizational aspect only, but it also carries regional and international dimensions that confirm the Kingdom’s message of making the Two Holy Mosques a beacon of peace and Islamic unity, far from political tensions or partisan conflicts, which enhances the civilized image of Muslims while performing their rituals.
The most prominent prohibited offenses: politics and smoking
The guide issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah the need to adhere to regulations, warning against a range of violations that could subject the perpetrator to accountability, most notably:
- Ban on political slogans: The ministry affirmed that the Two Holy Mosques are for worship only, and it is strictly forbidden to raise any flags or banners, or to chant political or partisan slogans, or to wear anything that indicates organizational affiliations, in order to preserve the unity of Muslims and the tranquility of the place.
- Smoking is prohibited: Smoking is strictly prohibited in the squares, public facilities and entrances of hotels surrounding the Two Holy Mosques, due to the harm it causes to worshippers and the pollution of the pure environment.
- Wrongful behaviors: The list included warnings against pushing and shoving with the intention of touching the Holy Kaaba or the Station of Abraham, begging, sleeping in the corridors, and using sharp instruments or unauthorized loudspeakers.
The impact of regulations on public peace
These strict measures aim to enhance tranquility and reverence among visitors. By preventing distracting behaviors such as excessive photography that violates the privacy of others, or the use of bright lights (lasers), the authorities ensure a purely spiritual atmosphere. Furthermore, regulating baggage handling and prohibiting large suitcases from entering the Haram directly contributes to reducing congestion and facilitating the movement of worshippers during Tawaf and Sa'i, especially during peak times.
Services and facilities provided to visitors
In addition to the list of prohibitions, the guide reviewed the integrated services provided by the Hajj and Umrah, starting with the facilitated visa procedures through the "Nusk" platform, and extending to the multiple transportation options such as the Haramain High-Speed Railway and Makkah buses.
The guide also paid special attention to the elderly and people with disabilities, explaining the availability of electric and free vehicles, and dedicated paths for them, in addition to translation and religious guidance centers distributed throughout the Two Holy Mosques, to ensure that the rituals are performed with ease and convenience for all groups.
