Guest care centers and development of pilgrim services at the Two Holy Mosques

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its tireless efforts to enhance the services provided to pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet'sMosque in Medina. This is being achieved through the launch and operation of a comprehensive field system. This system comprises two main centers and 19 branch centers dedicated to serving the guests of God within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards. These centers primarily aim to facilitate the journey of pilgrims and visitors, enriching their spiritual experience in an atmosphere of security, safety, and tranquility, in line with the Hajj season of 1447 AH.

The historical development of care for pilgrims

Since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, caring for pilgrims to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina has been a top priority for the wise leadership. Historically, the care provided to pilgrims has undergone numerous stages of development, from providing water and security on the roads in the past to utilizing the latest modern technologies and launching massive institutional initiatives. The establishment of pilgrim care centers is a natural extension of this rich historical legacy, as the Kingdom continuously strives to modernize its operational mechanisms and develop its infrastructure and facilities to ensure the highest levels of care befitting the status of the Islamic holy sites and their visitors.

A comprehensive package of services for pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques

Guest care centers operate around the clock to ensure the comfort of visitors, within an integrated system that offers a wide range of essential services including:

• Providing spatial and religious guidance to pilgrims.
• Luggage storage services to ensure the safety of visitors' belongings.
• Receiving and delivering lost items through reliable mechanisms.
• Providing special care for the elderly and people with disabilities to facilitate their mobility.
• Extra care for children, women, and lost people during peak times.

Specialized care for lost and missing children

The authority emphasized the importance of providing special care for lost children and women, particularly during peak times and periods of extreme crowding. They are received and cared for in well-equipped and comfortable facilities, under organized and secure security procedures, until their families are contacted and they are officially handed over. This humanitarian and organizational measure enhances the sense of security and psychological well-being of pilgrims within the holiest of places.

Technology in service of streamlined field operations

To enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in main corridors and prayer areas, the project introduced an advanced luggage storage service for pilgrims. In addition, modern digital communication channels were activated to facilitate quick and efficient access to services. The authority provided a QR code for locating the nearest service center. This technology allows pilgrims to locate the nearest center using their smartphones and reach it within seconds.

Regional and international impact of improving services

The impact of developing this system extends beyond the local level, leaving a broad and positive mark at both the regional and international levels. The Kingdom's success in managing millions of pilgrims and providing exceptional services reflects a superior organizational capacity that serves as a global model for managing major events. These efforts also leave a profound impression on pilgrims returning to their countries from all corners of the earth, enhancing the positive image of the Kingdom's Islamic and humanitarian endeavors. The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques affirmed the readiness of these centers and their staff to operate at full capacity during the Hajj season, reinforcing and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims and elevate the quality of services provided to them through advanced and institutional service models that ensure the safety and comfort of all.