Mobility platform: Booking handcarts for pilgrims from the hotel
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of a new and innovative service aimed at facilitating the performance of rituals for pilgrims. This service allows pilgrims to book a pusher-driven wheelchair directly from their hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque in Mecca through mobility platform . This strategic step aims to enhance the pilgrims' experience and improve access to logistical services without requiring them to go to traditional gathering points in the mosque's courtyards. The process is automated, assigning the request to an approved pusher who then goes to the designated hotel to receive the pilgrim and assist them in performing their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
A historic development in serving the guests of God
Over the decades, services provided at the Grand Mosque have witnessed remarkable development, evolving from simple individual efforts to a comprehensive institutional system relying on the latest technologies. In the past, pilgrims relied on arduous field searches to locate carts for Tawaf and Sa'i, a process that consumed considerable time and effort, especially during peak times and busy seasons. With the launch of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the pace of digital transformation at the Two Holy Mosques has accelerated, making modern technology the cornerstone of crowd management and service delivery. This historic development reflects the wise leadership's commitment to harnessing all capabilities to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and Umrah performers, transforming their spiritual journey into a smooth and effortless experience.
Flexible options to meet the needs of pilgrims
The new service offers multiple options that cater to the physical and time needs of pilgrims. Users can specify the type of ritual they require, whether it be "Tawaf only" or "a complete Umrah" which includes the two essential pillars of Tawaf and Sa'i. This step aims to reduce the physical strain on pilgrims and regulate the flow of vehicles within the designated pathways in the Grand Mosque, ensuring smooth movement during peak times and alleviating congestion.
Integrated routes across the mobility platform
includes the transportation platform two routes chosen by the pilgrim during booking: the first, a "one-way" route starting from the hotel and ending with the completion of the rituals within the Grand Mosque; and the second, a "hotel-to-hotel" route, which provides full escort from the pilgrim's accommodation through the performance of the rituals and back to their hotel. These designated routes help save pilgrims time and prevent overcrowding at the main entrances and exits of the Grand Mosque.
Strategic dimensions and global impact of the digitalization of services
The significance of this initiative extends beyond local facilitation to encompass a wide-ranging regional and international impact. By automating procedures, the Kingdom sends a clear message to the entire Muslim world about its unwavering readiness to welcome millions of Muslims annually with the highest standards of quality and hospitality. Internationally, this digital transformation reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading model in smart crowd management and the application of technology to serve humanity. These facilitations also positively impact the religious tourism sector, encouraging more Muslims from around the world to choose to perform Umrah, confident in the existence of a digital infrastructure that caters to the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and convenience.
Excellent care for the elderly and people with disabilities
The initiative primarily targets the elderly and people with disabilities by automating procedures and making them smoother and clearer. The electronic system allows users to set dates, select hotels, and complete digital payments instantly. This technological shift in transportation services reflects the high level of care that organizers dedicate to the comfort of pilgrims, providing a well-organized transportation experience that eliminates the need for pilgrims to search for service providers in person.
