New facilities at the Holy Mosque: Electric carts for the elderly and people with disabilities

A humanitarian initiative to enhance the comfort of pilgrims

In a move reflecting the ongoing commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of an integrated and innovative transportation system in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This initiative aims to serve the elderly and people with disabilities, allocating a fleet of 40 modern electric vehicles and safe, designated pathways to ensure their easy and convenient movement from public transport stations to the heart of the Grand Mosque, particularly during peak times when there is a high volume of visitors and pilgrims.

Historical context and the Kingdom's ongoing efforts

This new service is a continuation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Over the decades, the Grand Mosque has undergone successive and massive expansion projects to increase its capacity and provide the utmost comfort for worshippers and pilgrims. With the expansion of the mosque and its courtyards, the need arose for efficient internal transportation solutions to alleviate the burden of walking long distances, a need embodied by this modern system. These efforts are directly aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes enhancing and enriching the Hajj and Umrah experience by leveraging the latest technologies to serve the guests of God.

Details of the new operating system

To maximize operational efficiency, the Authority has provided 37 large electric vehicles, each with a capacity of 10 passengers, operating on a direct route through the Jarwal Tunnel. This significantly reduces travel time and ensures quick and comfortable access to the plazas. In addition, three other electric vehicles have been specially designed and equipped to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities. These vehicles are operated by trained teams dedicated to providing a compassionate service that adheres to the highest standards of safety and comfort.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent overcrowding, four separate, dedicated lanes have been set up for handcarts, facilitating entry and exit from the Grand Mosque. This integrated system operates according to a precise operational plan, overseen around the clock by specialized field teams to guarantee the continuity and quality of service.

The importance and expected impact of the initiative

Domestically, this initiative directly contributes to increasing the satisfaction of visitors to the Grand Mosque, making the performance of rituals easier and more tranquil, enabling them to focus on the spiritual aspect of their worship without physical strain. Internationally, this step reinforces the Kingdom's image as a leading nation in crowd management and the provision of humanitarian services in Islam's holiest sites. It sends a clear message to the entire Muslim world about the Kingdom's commitment to providing an exceptional and accessible experience for every pilgrim to the Two Holy Mosques, thus solidifying its position as the beating heart of the Islamic world.