Preparations at the Two Holy Mosques for the 27th night of Ramadan
As the last ten days of Ramadan approach, the eyes of millions of Muslims around the world turn towards Mecca and Medina. In this context, preparations are intensifying at the Two Holy Mosques for the 27th night of Ramadan , with a comprehensive operational system in place to accommodate the expected millions of worshippers and pilgrims. This comprehensive field plan aims to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a safe and comfortable environment within the Grand Mosque, the Prophet's Mosque, and their courtyards, with all human and technological resources fully mobilized.
The historical and spiritual significance of the 27th night
The 27th night of Ramadan holds immense significance in the Muslim consciousness, as many Muslims hope it to be Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, the night on which the Holy Quran was revealed, and which God Almighty described as being better than a thousand months. Historically, the Two Holy Mosques have witnessed the arrival of vast numbers of Muslims on this particular night, seeking forgiveness and salvation from Hellfire. This profound spiritual legacy makes this night an exceptional event requiring meticulous and early planning to accommodate the enormous crowds that flock to the holy sites from all corners of the earth to experience unforgettable moments of faith in the holiest places on earth.
Intensive field efforts to serve those visiting the two mosques
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced that it has doubled its operational efforts to accommodate the anticipated influx of worshippers. These efforts include meticulous cleaning and perfuming of carpets, and the preparation of additional prayer areas to accommodate the increased numbers. Cleaning, disinfection, sanitization, and fumigation have also been intensified in all corridors and passageways. The Authority has also ensured the availability of ample quantities of blessed Zamzam water at various locations, accessible to all worshippers and pilgrims around the clock.
Advanced infrastructure and modern crowd management technologies
To ensure smooth traffic flow, the authority raised the level of preparedness in the electricity and power systems and enhanced the efficiency of the air conditioning, lighting, and sound systems. The full readiness of elevators, escalators, and safety and emergency systems was also confirmed. In the area of crowd management, dedicated pathways and walkways were activated to ensure smooth movement, with two lanes allocated for the Haram electric vehicles, and a shuttle service was launched from hotels in the central area. To facilitate access, interactive 3D maps were provided to guide visitors to the best routes, in addition to the activation of "Where We Are" cards with barcodes for precise location tracking.
The impact of the preparations at the Two Holy Mosques for the 27th night, both locally and internationally
The impact of these tremendous efforts is not limited to the local level, but extends to the regional and international arenas. The successful preparations of the Two Holy Mosques for the 27th night of Ramadan reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's exceptional ability to manage the largest gatherings of people in the world with efficiency and competence. This success sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims around the globe that the Kingdom's leadership is deeply committed to serving the pilgrims. This meticulous organization also contributes to enhancing the positive image of Saudi logistics and security services, which in turn benefits the local economy by stimulating the hospitality and transportation sectors, and underscores the Kingdom's pioneering role in harnessing modern technology to serve the Islamic faith.
A development plan to enhance the experience of those in seclusion
In a related context, the Authority was keen to enrich the spiritual experience of worshippers and those observing i'tikaf (seclusion for worship), providing additional copies of the Quran, including Braille versions for the visually impaired. The 'Digital Worship Guide' was also activated, and mobile teams equipped with simultaneous translation devices were deployed to serve visitors in their various languages. For the first time, guest care centers were activated to provide guidance and assistance. To alleviate congestion, Internet of Things (IoT) technology was implemented via electronic screens displaying color-coded density levels at the entrances to restrooms, reducing waiting times and providing a well-organized and safe environment that enables everyone to perform their religious duties with ease.
