In a significant move aimed at elevating the experience of Hajj pilgrims, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has officially launched the Kidana Path project in Muzdalifah — a vital infrastructural upgrade strategically executed to ease movement, enhance comfort, and support millions of Muslims undertaking the sacred pilgrimage.
The ambitious project covers an expansive area of over 150,000 square metres and features innovative rubber flooring, meticulously laid to create a soft, safe, and non-slip surface for pilgrims walking across Muzdalifah, especially during the high-pressure moments of Hajj. This upgrade is particularly significant considering the physical toll the Hajj rites can have on elderly worshippers and those with mobility challenges.
As part of the project’s inclusive design, the newly commissioned Kidana Path includes a dedicated lane for carts — thoughtfully created to cater to elderly pilgrims and persons with special needs. This gesture aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for inclusive pilgrimage infrastructure and affirms the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that every pilgrim, regardless of age or ability, can perform their religious obligations with dignity and ease.
To further enrich the pilgrim experience, the Royal Commission integrated commercial amenities directly into the path’s layout. Strategically placed zones now host shops, restaurants, and cafés, offering pilgrims easy access to essential services such as food, water, and other provisions, without needing to stray far from the core Hajj routes. This is expected to significantly reduce fatigue and improve time management during a period when every minute counts.
Perhaps most impressive is the attention to climate control — a necessity given the intense heat often recorded in Muzdalifah. The Kidana Path now boasts shaded rest areas furnished with misting fans, offering weary pilgrims a much-needed break from the elements. These cooling zones are part of a broader initiative by the Commission to deploy sustainable, climate-responsive solutions that ensure comfort amid the Kingdom’s challenging desert temperatures.
The unveiling of the Kidana Path marks a historic stride in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing mission to modernize the Hajj experience. It demonstrates a fusion of tradition and innovation — preserving the sacred essence of the pilgrimage while leveraging modern engineering to remove unnecessary hardship.
As millions continue to answer the spiritual call to Hajj, the Royal Commission’s delivery of the Kidana Path is being widely celebrated by observers and pilgrims alike, not just as an infrastructural success, but as a human-centered project that prioritizes safety, dignity, and spiritual focus.
