Operational plan for Ramadan 1447 season in the Two Holy Mosques: Smart services and maximum preparations
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced its full readiness to receive the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH, through the launch of an integrated operational plan based on the latest technologies and the highest quality standards, to ensure an easy and safe spiritual experience for millions of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.
A strategic context for serving the guests of God
This plan comes as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. It aims to facilitate the hosting of more pilgrims and visitors while providing world-class services. The Ramadan season is considered the peak operational period for the Two Holy Mosques, necessitating the full mobilization of all human and technological resources to ensure smooth movement and a spiritually enriching atmosphere, especially given the anticipated increase in the number of visitors year after year.
Plan axes and smart technologies
This year's operational plan is based on three main pillars: efficient asset and facility management, enhancing operational and maintenance quality, and effective joint coordination with all relevant security and service entities. The Authority has given special attention to digital transformation to better serve visitors, with new initiatives including:
- Activating 3D interactive maps to facilitate access to facilities.
- Using digital systems and smart sensors to manage crowds and count visitors with high accuracy.
- Providing interactive guidance screens in five international languages.
- Launching the "Rased Reports" service to ensure a rapid response to field observations.
Advanced humanitarian and enrichment services
The plan did not overlook the humanitarian and social aspect, as quality services were introduced, including transporting the elderly from transport stations to ensure their comfort, operating hospitality centers for children to provide a safe educational experience, in addition to developing the “breakfast travel” system and governing it in integration with the national “Ihsan” platform to reduce food waste.
On the enrichment and cultural level, the Authority continues to operate the Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba Cover, and the libraries, to introduce visitors to the historical and cultural depth of the place, in addition to distributing copies of the Qur’an and activating simultaneous translation and spatial guidance programs through qualified foot teams.
Technical and environmental readiness
Regarding infrastructure, the authority confirmed the upgrading of air conditioning and lighting systems, and ensuring the highest levels of reliability for escalators, elevators, and the sound system. Cleaning, sanitization, and environmental protection operations have also been intensified throughout the Grand Mosque (the Saudi portico, the circumambulation area, the Sa'i area, and the expansions) and the Prophet's Mosque, including its roof and courtyards, to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims and worshippers.
The Authority concluded its announcement by emphasizing its commitment to harnessing all human and technical capabilities to implement the directives of the wise leadership - may God protect them - in caring for the guests of God, and working around the clock during peak times to ensure that the rituals are performed with ease and convenience.
