Unified Mobility Platform: Your guide to booking vehicles for the Grand Mosque online

Introduction: Digital Transformation in Serving the Guests of God

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance services for pilgrims, and in line with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Pilgrims Service Program, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques launched the “Unified Mobility Platform.” This platform represents a significant leap forward in organizing and facilitating the movement of pilgrims and visitors within the Grand Mosque, particularly for those requiring special care, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.

General context and importance of the platform

Historically, transportation within the Grand Mosque in Mecca relied heavily on handcarts provided from multiple distribution points, requiring significant physical effort and complex organization to manage the millions of pilgrims during peak seasons. With the Kingdom's technological advancements, the Unified Mobility Platform emerged as a comprehensive electronic solution aimed at digitizing the service, ensuring easy access, equitable distribution, reduced congestion, and a more comfortable and reassuring spiritual experience for pilgrims.

The platform's significance lies in its direct impact on the experience of millions of Muslims worldwide. Locally, it enhances the quality of life for elderly citizens and residents, as well as those with disabilities, when performing their religious rites. Internationally, it reflects the Kingdom's progressive image and its ability to utilize cutting-edge technologies for crowd management and exceptional service, thus solidifying its position as a leader in the Islamic world in serving the Two Holy Mosques.

How to use the unified mobility platform: Booking steps

To benefit from the transportation services within the Grand Mosque, users can follow these simple electronic steps:

1. Starting the service: Log in to the online platform and click on the “Start Service” option.
2. Choosing the type of vehicle: Select the appropriate vehicle from the available options (electric golf cart, pusher handcart, or pushless handcart).
3. Determining the type of trip: Choosing the purpose of using the vehicle (Tawaf, Sa'i, or a complete Umrah).
4. Setting the date: Choosing the appropriate date and time to perform the ritual.
5. Completing the booking: Complete the booking details and make the electronic payment if the service is paid.
6. Obtaining the ticket: After the process is successfully completed, the electronic booking ticket will appear immediately, which must be presented at the starting point.

Terms and conditions for using the free service

In order to care for the most vulnerable groups, the platform provides the service free of charge according to the following conditions:

• People with disabilities: The service is provided free of charge to people with disabilities and their companions. This requires presenting a disability identification card issued by an accredited official authority along with a matching identity document, or via the “Tawakkalna Services” application.
• Elderly people (over 65 years old): Priority is given to the elderly in receiving the service, with handcarts provided to them free of charge at the designated gathering points in the outer courtyards of the Grand Mosque, in appreciation of their status and to make things easier for them.
• Children (under 3 years old): The service is free for children, but an adult must accompany them, and it is necessary to ensure that the seat belt is fastened to ensure their safety throughout the journey.

Important instructions while performing the rituals in vehicles

To ensure everyone's safety and comfort, the following instructions must be followed:

• Personal belongings: Leaving any personal belongings in the vehicle is prohibited, and management disclaims responsibility for any loss.
• Passenger safety: The pilgrim must sit in the assigned seat throughout the journey, and the pilgrim is responsible for the safety of his companions.
• Cart capacity: The golf cart can carry a maximum of 10 passengers.
• Prayer time: During the complete Umrah journey, the vehicle stops for only 5 minutes to perform the two Rak'ahs of Tawaf, and the specified time must be adhered to.
• Luggage: Large bags and luggage are not allowed during the trip.
• Safety first: It is strictly forbidden to put your hand or any part of your body outside the vehicle while it is moving.