The shoe removal initiative at the Grand Mosque: A smart solution to end overcrowding
The courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca are witnessing the implementation of a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind, aimed at radically transforming the flow of crowds and eliminating the sight of shoes piling up at the main entrances. This initiative relies on a smart logistics service that collects pilgrims' shoes at the entrance gates and transports them to the exit points after the completion of their rituals, a practical step aimed at eliminating visual pollution and enhancing the experience of the pilgrims.
Crowd management challenges and innovative solutions
For decades, shoe storage has posed a significant logistical challenge at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, given the millions of pilgrims who flock there to perform Umrah and pray. The accumulation of shoes in front of the gates, or pilgrims carrying them in plastic bags during Tawaf and Sa'i, often disrupts the flow of people and negatively impacts the overall appearance of the holiest of places. This initiative offers a radical solution that goes beyond traditional fixed lockers, providing a dynamic service that keeps pace with the movement of pilgrims.
The mechanism of the initiative and the Misk partnership
The project, as reported by Al-Youm newspaper, is based on a structured mechanism that begins with collecting pilgrims' shoes at the King Fahd and King Abdulaziz gates. The shoes are numbered and transported via dedicated, secure pathways to the final collection point at the Marwa exit, the usual exit for pilgrims after completing the Sa'i ritual. This innovative solution is a product of the "Diwan Al-Ibtikar" program, part of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MiSK), and was developed in direct collaboration with the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, reflecting a tangible integration between youth-led ideas and the operational needs of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Promoting tranquility and achieving the goals of Vision 2030
This service allows pilgrims to fully dedicate themselves to worship and devotion without the distraction of carrying their shoes or worrying about losing them in the crowds, thus enhancing the spiritual experience. This approach aligns perfectly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims and leverage social and technological innovation to provide sustainable solutions. Authorities anticipate the success of this initiative to promote a culture of smart crowd management solutions, ensuring that the courtyards and entrances of the Grand Mosque remain unobstructed, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal, and facilitating the Umrah journey from arrival to departure.
