Saudi Arabia Issues New Umrah Guidelines For Final Ramadan Days

SAUDIA ARABIA: As the last ten days of Ramadan approach, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released updated operational guidelines to manage the overwhelming number of pilgrims visiting Mecca. The measures aim to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for worshippers performing Umrah during this peak period. Authorities are urging pilgrims to follow strict organizational protocols, including securing Umrah permits in advance, adhering to designated time slots, and maintaining orderly movement within the Grand Mosque. The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of performing Umrah only once during this period to accommodate the massive influx of visitors and ease congestion in and around the sacred site.

To further regulate the flow of worshippers, the Ministry has encouraged pilgrims to spread out their prayers across multiple mosques in Mecca instead of exclusively praying inside the Grand Mosque. The use of public transportation has been strongly recommended to alleviate traffic congestion, while pilgrims have been asked to avoid overcrowding key passageways, stairwells, and entry points. By following these measures, the Ministry hopes to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage while ensuring the safety and convenience of all visitors. Additionally, officials have implemented crowd management strategies to facilitate seamless movement and prevent bottlenecks at key locations.

In response to the surge in pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has intensified its preparations to accommodate the increasing numbers. Authorities have introduced an integrated service plan covering sanitation, environmental cleanliness, and crowd control measures. Thousands of workers and state-of-the-art equipment have been deployed to maintain cleanliness, manage movement, and provide essential services such as Zamzam water distribution, perfumed prayer areas, and logistical support including escalators and mobility carts. With an advanced cleaning system, the entire Grand Mosque can now be sanitized within just 35 minutes, ensuring a hygienic environment for all worshippers.

Special provisions have also been made for the elderly and people with disabilities, with dedicated prayer spaces, luggage storage facilities, and a 24/7 childcare center being introduced. Additionally, new arrangements have been set up for itikaf, the spiritual retreat observed during the final nights of Ramadan. To further enhance accessibility, a unified digital platform has been launched to help pilgrims reserve transportation services and navigate the holy city more efficiently. These initiatives reflect the Saudi authorities’ commitment to ensuring a well-organized and spiritually rewarding experience for millions of worshippers in Mecca.

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