Hotel-provided Tawaf carts: A smart new service for the comfort of Umrah pilgrims in Mecca
A qualitative leap in serving the guests of God
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of an innovative electronic service that allows pilgrims to book manual carts for circumambulation (Tawaf) and have them delivered directly to their accommodations in Makkah hotels. This step comes as part of a comprehensive system aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' spiritual journey and enhancing the quality of services provided to the guests of God, thus eliminating the hassle of searching and waiting and ensuring a comfortable and safe spiritual experience.
Context and development: Ongoing efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques
This initiative is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance services for the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy sites annually. Over the decades, crowd management and mobility services at the Grand Mosque in Mecca have undergone tremendous development to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers. Historically, pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with disabilities, faced challenges accessing the distribution points for manual and electric wheelchairs within the mosque's courtyards, requiring additional effort and potentially impacting their experience. This new service offers a comprehensive solution to this problem, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which focuses on digital transformation and the use of technology to improve the pilgrims' experience and enhance the efficiency of operational services.
Service mechanism: Digital integration for the convenience of pilgrims
The new system relies on "mobility platform" that operates using advanced technology. Once a pilgrim submits their request electronically from their accommodation, the smart system automatically assigns the task to one of the approved and qualified wheelchair operators. The operator then immediately goes to the pilgrim's accommodation to meet and accompany them throughout their rituals, from the hotel entrance until the completion of Tawaf and Sa'i. This system saves time and effort and provides pilgrims with complete peace of mind from the moment they leave until the end of their worship.
Flexible options and broad positive impact
The Authority has provided flexible options to suit the diverse needs of pilgrims, including the choice to perform Tawaf only or complete a full Umrah. Users can also precisely define their transportation route, opting for a one-way trip from their hotel to the end of the rituals or utilizing the full hotel-to-hotel escort service to ensure a safe and comfortable return to their accommodation. The anticipated impact of this service extends beyond the local level, enhancing the Kingdom's international reputation in managing Hajj and Umrah and setting a benchmark for leveraging technology to serve large gatherings. Furthermore, it makes performing Umrah more accessible and appealing to Muslims worldwide, particularly those who previously faced transportation challenges.
Additional features and customized solutions
This service represents an ideal solution, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities. Through it, the authority aims to streamline Umrah procedures and meet the specific needs of these valued groups. The platform also offers features for setting dates and completing electronic payments in a few simple steps, reflecting the exceptional care and digital transformation taking place in the Hajj and Umrah services sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
