The Two Holy Mosques are ready for Ramadan: A comprehensive plan to receive visitors
With the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the completion of its operational and service preparations to receive millions of visitors, including worshippers and pilgrims, through an integrated system aimed at providing a spiritual atmosphere characterized by organization, comfort and tranquility, and enabling the guests of God to perform their acts of worship with ease and convenience.
Historical background and spiritual significance
The month of Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, a time when rewards are multiplied and the desire to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites intensifies. Throughout history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dedicated itself to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. The Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina have undergone successive historical expansion projects to increase their capacity and enhance the services provided. This year's preparations continue this established approach and embody the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience.
A comprehensive operational plan to serve the pilgrims
The authority explained that its plan for Ramadan is based on integrated efforts across various departments to ensure the provision of high-quality services. Field preparations include providing advanced infrastructure and trained personnel working around the clock. Key figures reflecting the level of preparedness include the following:
- Watering services: Preparing and distributing more than 47,000 containers of Zamzam water in various corridors and courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques.
- Carpets and cleanliness: More than 60,000 luxurious prayer rugs have been laid out, with intensified and continuous cleaning and sanitizing operations.
- Infrastructure and Technology: Maintenance and operation of 258,560 lighting units to ensure optimal lighting, equipping 11,956 toilets, in addition to installing 14,558 speakers to ensure clear sound in all locations.
- Air conditioning and ventilation: 370 advanced air conditioning units are operated to maintain a moderate atmosphere inside the prayer halls, especially during peak times.
Accessibility and mobility facilities and support services
Recognizing the importance of facilitating crowd movement, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities, the Authority provided a package of integrated logistical and field services:
- Mobility: 980 escalators and 114 elevators have been provided to facilitate entry and exit to and from the floors of the two holy mosques.
- Carts: Providing 10,000 manual carts and 403 electric carts, in addition to 12 carts dedicated to facilitating the performance of rituals in the Grand Mosque.
- Human resources: Harnessing the energies of 19,230 male and female employees, including administrative, technical and field staff, to serve visitors.
- Additional services: 3 childcare centers, 5 baggage drop-off points at the doors, and 4 baggage storage centers, reflecting the commitment to providing a comprehensive and safe experience for visitors and their families.
Impact and importance on all levels
The importance of these preparations extends beyond the local level to encompass the entire Muslim world. The success of the Ramadan season reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global religious destination and presents a shining example of its ability to manage millions of pilgrims efficiently and professionally. The season also contributes to stimulating economic activity in Mecca and Medina, supporting the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors, and underscoring that serving the pilgrims is a great honor and responsibility to which all relevant authorities in the Kingdom are committed.
