530 scouts participate in managing crowds at the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan
More than 530 scouts, both boys and girls, and their leaders continue their vital field work managing crowds at the Prophet's Mosque and facilitating the movement of pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan. This tireless effort is part of a comprehensive governmental and institutional effort that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in serving those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, with scouts working around the clock to ensure the comfort and safety of worshippers and visitors.
The historical roots of scouting volunteer work in the Two Holy Mosques
The presence of scouts serving pilgrims is not a recent phenomenon, but rather extends back decades. The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association was founded in the mid-20th century, and since then it has undertaken the responsibility of actively participating in major religious seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan. Historically, the name of the Saudi scout has been associated with providing aid and assistance to pilgrims, making this role an integral part of the cultural and national identity of the Kingdom's youth.
Over the years, these efforts have evolved from individual initiatives into a comprehensive, professional system. Today, this system relies on the latest organizational and mobilization methods, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to harnessing all human and material resources to serve Islam and Muslims, and to provide a model to be emulated in institutional volunteer work.
Regional and international dimensions of successful crowd management at the Prophet's Mosque
is Managing crowds at the Prophet's Mosque of paramount importance, extending beyond the local level to encompass regional and international dimensions. Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide turn their attention to Medina, and the smooth flow of movement and the safety of visitors serve as a true indicator of the efficiency of Saudi authorities in managing such massive gatherings. The success of these scouts in their duties sends a reassuring message to the entire Muslim world: that the Two Holy Mosques are in safe and capable hands.
Domestically, this meticulous organization helps alleviate the burden on security and health authorities, creating a safe and stable environment that positively impacts visitor comfort. Internationally, the Saudi experience in crowd management has become a global benchmark, benefiting numerous countries and organizations in organizing major events, thus enhancing the Kingdom's soft power and its leading role in serving humanity.
An integrated system of humanitarian and organizational services
The scout teams are strategically deployed at key locations including the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, health centers, and the Quba and Miqat mosques. Their tasks are diverse, encompassing the provision of a comprehensive range of humanitarian and organizational services, such as pushing wheelchairs for the elderly and people with disabilities, managing the flow of visitors to the Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit), guiding lost individuals, caring for lost children until they are reunited with their families, and efficiently organizing visitors to health facilities.
The scouts also contribute to the ongoing efforts to regulate traffic and the movement of worshippers in the areas surrounding the Prophet's Mosque. They work alongside traffic police to facilitate pedestrian crossings and ensure smooth traffic flow, with a particular focus on high-traffic entrances and exits, aiming to create a safe and reassuring environment for visitors to Madinah.
Instilling the values of giving and strengthening national belonging
The Ramadan Scout Camp is a leading practical platform for instilling the values of giving and volunteering through qualified personnel. These young people work as a unified team to present the best and brightest image of the nation's youth to visitors arriving from all corners of the earth. The scouts directly supervise the entry and exit through the gates and staircases to assist the elderly, in a scene that reinforces the culture of volunteering and the values of national belonging among the rising generations.
This season is witnessing high-level coordination between the scouting sectors, the Ministries of Education and Sports, Taibah University, the Islamic University, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. This joint cooperation reflects the integration of national efforts to highlight the Kingdom's humanitarian role in caring for the Two Holy Mosques and to encourage young people to actively engage in public service, thus ensuring the sustainability of these noble endeavors for future generations.
