Transportation services for pilgrims have been improved by providing 6,400 vehicles in the Holy Mosque
In a pioneering step aimed at facilitating the performance of rituals, transportation services for pilgrims an unprecedented qualitative leap. The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of an integrated system comprising 6,400 manual and electric carts. This initiative comes in response to the needs of those visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca, offering an exceptional feature that allows pilgrims to book carts directly from their hotels, thus saving time and effort and preventing overcrowding in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque.
The journey of the development of transportation methods in the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, transportation services for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah have undergone numerous phases, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing the utmost comfort for visitors to the Holy Mosque. In past decades, transporting the elderly and people with disabilities relied on simple wooden chairs carried on people's shoulders. With the passage of time and industrial development, the service transitioned to traditional manual wheelchairs. Today, in light of the comprehensive digital transformation, technology plays a pivotal role in crowd management, with the introduction of smart electric vehicles and electronic booking applications. This represents a historic and progressive shift in the management of the Two Holy Mosques and facilitates the performance of religious rites.
An integrated system to enhance transportation services for pilgrims
To ensure the best possible transportation services for pilgrims, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has provided over 6,000 handcarts, carefully distributed at various strategic locations within the Grand Mosque and its surrounding courtyards. In addition, more than 400 modern electric carts have been put into operation, enabling worshippers and pilgrims to move smoothly through designated corridors and spaces, especially during peak seasons. The Presidency has also considered the needs of a valued segment of society, allocating 25 specially designed carts to meet the requirements of people with disabilities, granting them greater independence and flexibility.
To further its digital transformation efforts, the authority has enabled online booking of these services through its unified mobility platform. This platform not only organizes appointments and reduces waiting times, but also offers a unique and high-quality service: the ability to request a handcart with a pusher directly from the pilgrim's hotel, allowing them to proceed directly to the Grand Mosque without the hassle of searching for distribution points.
The positive impact of facilitating Hajj and Umrah rituals globally and locally
The significance of this development extends beyond mere operational aspects, encompassing far-reaching implications. Locally, this system contributes to streamlining field operations and enhancing personnel skills in crowd management and humanitarian service delivery. Furthermore, the operational and maintenance plans, implemented by specialized field teams, ensure the continuous technical readiness of the vehicles, complementing crowd management procedures to guarantee everyone's safety.
At the regional and international levels, this advanced level of care reflects the bright image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its exceptional ability to manage the world's largest human gatherings with efficiency and competence. Enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience is a true testament to the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to the Two Holy Mosques, which aligns closely with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aspires to host millions of Muslims annually and provide world-class hospitality services befitting the Kingdom's stature.
