Civil Defense enhances safety at the Prophet's Mosque for pilgrims
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of millions of Muslims visiting Madinah, the General Directorate of Civil Defense announced the intensification of preventative inspections and safety measures at the Prophet's Mosque and the surrounding central area. This step comes as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at providing a safe environment for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their religious rites in peace and tranquility.
The religious and historical significance of the Prophet's Mosque
The Prophet's Mosque holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, being the second holiest site in Islam after the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Throughout history, the mosque has undergone significant expansions, particularly during the Saudi era, to increase its capacity to accommodate over a million worshippers. These expansions, coupled with the massive influx of visitors, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan and Hajj, present considerable logistical and security challenges, making the implementation of the highest safety standards a top priority for Saudi authorities.
Comprehensive preventive measures for the safety of pilgrims
The Civil Defense explained that its field teams conduct thorough and continuous inspection tours to ensure that all safety and fire protection requirements are met at the Prophet's Mosque, as well as at accommodations, hotels, and shopping centers in the central area. These procedures include checking alarm and fire suppression systems, verifying the readiness of emergency exits, and ensuring the safety of electrical wiring, to guarantee a swift response to any potential emergency.
To ensure operational readiness, the Civil Defense confirmed the continued operation of support and logistics centers, rapid intervention units, and preventative oversight points strategically located within the mosque and its courtyards. These units aim to achieve optimal response times in emergencies and provide immediate assistance to those in need, whether for medical emergencies or other incidents.
The regional and international impact of the Kingdom's efforts
The importance of these measures extends beyond the local level to encompass the entire Muslim world. Saudi Arabia's success in managing crowds and ensuring the safety of the Two Holy Mosques reinforces its position as a leader of the Muslim world and sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims planning to visit the holy sites. These efforts also contribute to supporting the religious tourism sector, a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, by providing a safe and accessible spiritual experience for visitors.
Raising awareness and providing important guidelines
As part of the preventative plan, awareness and guidance messages are being broadcast via digital screens and various media outlets in areas with high population density. The General Directorate of Civil Defense calls upon all visitors and worshippers to fully comply with the announced safety instructions, cooperate with Civil Defense personnel, and not hesitate to report any emergency by calling the unified number (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or (998) in the rest of the Kingdom.
