4700 wheelchairs are among the services provided for people with disabilities at the Prophet's Mosque
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making exceptional efforts to serve the pilgrims, with services for people with disabilities and the elderly at the Prophet's Mosque being a top priority, especially during peak seasons like Hajj. In this context, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the provision of a comprehensive and accessible system aimed at facilitating access, movement, and the performance of prayers with ease and tranquility for these valued members of society.
A long history of caring for the guests of God
Caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors is not a recent development, but rather a long-standing historical commitment dating back to the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For decades, the wise leadership has been dedicated to removing all obstacles for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically through the "Serving the Guests of God" program, the infrastructure of the holy sites has witnessed an unprecedented transformation. Services have shifted from individual efforts to a well-organized, institutional approach that utilizes the latest global technologies to ensure the comfort of visitors, with a particular focus on creating an environment that is fully accessible for people with disabilities and the elderly.
Massive equipment: 4700 wheelchairs and electric vehicles
To ensure smooth movement, field services included providing 4,700 wheelchairs, carefully distributed in designated locations within the Prophet's Mosque and its courtyards. Visitors can easily borrow them from the gate management offices and designated service points. In addition to manual wheelchairs, services also include modern electric carts that can accommodate several people and operate around the clock, transporting more than 8,000 elderly and disabled beneficiaries daily in the outer courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque.
A local and international impact reflecting the Kingdom's humanitarian leadership
Providing these facilities is of paramount importance and has a profound impact that extends far beyond local boundaries. Locally, this approach enhances the quality of life and guarantees everyone's right to practice their religious rites with independence and dignity. Regionally and internationally, these tremendous efforts offer a global model for managing massive crowds while being mindful of the most basic human needs. Millions of Muslims from around the world experience this positive impact, reflecting the Kingdom's honorable image as the custodian and guardian of the Two Holy Mosques and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the principles of human rights and equal opportunity.
Developing services for people with disabilities in the Prophet's Mosque, both technically and in terms of human resources
The comprehensive care system is further enhanced by the provision of dedicated prayer areas in strategic locations near the main entrances of the Prophet's Mosque, equipped with designated pathways for wheelchair access. The entrances are also equipped with safe elevators and ramps, clear signage, and nearby parking spaces in the lower area of the mosque.
On the human and technical side, more than 7,500 field staff, supported by qualified volunteer teams, provide guidance and assistance. These services include providing Braille copies of the Quran for the visually impaired, simultaneous interpretation of sermons, and interactive digital maps distributed at entrances to facilitate access to facilities. The authority also focuses on effective crowd management and offers modern services such as visitor care centers, childcare centers, and multilingual guidance, allowing pilgrims to focus entirely on their worship in comfort and tranquility.
