In anticipation of the annual influx of millions of pilgrims for the sacred Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rolled out an expansive and meticulously structured operational plan aimed at ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for worshippers at Islam’s two holiest mosques. The plan, which was disclosed by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, represents one of the most comprehensive Hajj readiness efforts in recent years, focusing on safety, accessibility, and overall comfort.
The Saudi authorities have activated no fewer than 199 gates across both mosques to facilitate the smooth entry and exit of pilgrims. This initiative, designed to optimise human traffic flow, particularly during high-density periods such as the five days of Hajj rites, is part of a larger effort to streamline crowd control and avoid congestion that could lead to discomfort or safety risks.
As part of their inclusive approach, the Saudi administration has designated 13 prayer areas specifically for people living with disabilities. These spaces are tailored to accommodate the special needs of worshippers requiring mobility assistance or sensory support, thereby ensuring that every pilgrim can partake fully in the spiritual rites without limitation.
KIIN360 also gathered that over 22 elevators and 224 escalators have been put into service to aid movement across the vast mosque complexes. These installations, vital for managing the flow of elderly and physically challenged individuals, are a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusivity and ease of access.
Further enriching the experience for international pilgrims, religious texts, guides, and educational materials will now be offered in 27 different languages. This major step recognises the diversity of the global Muslim community and seeks to break linguistic barriers that often hinder engagement with key sermons, teachings, and procedures during Hajj.
To combat the intense heat typical of the Arabian desert during the pilgrimage season, the Saudi authorities have outfitted the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque with 883 high-capacity air conditioning units. In addition, 244 misting fans and over 3,100 ventilation fans have been installed to improve airflow and lower ambient temperatures within the prayer and congregational areas.
In a move that blends both modern comfort and traditional aesthetics, 432 fragrance diffusers have been strategically positioned to release calming scents throughout the holy sites, cultivating a tranquil environment that enhances the sense of spiritual focus and serenity.
Mobility support has also seen significant upgrades. The deployment of 400 electric carts is aimed at assisting elderly pilgrims and those with physical limitations in navigating the long distances within the holy precincts. These carts are part of broader efforts to uphold dignity and ease throughout the pilgrimage journey.
Safety, which remains a top priority, has been bolstered with the installation of 1,229 emergency response units at strategic locations known for high pedestrian density. Alongside this, a world-class audio system made up of 8,000 high-fidelity speakers ensures that announcements, religious instructions, and calls to prayer reach every corner of the facilities clearly and without distortion.
In the area of knowledge preservation, the mosque libraries continue to serve as vital centres of Islamic heritage. They now provide access to a rich collection of 8,503 rare manuscripts, part of an ambitious digital archiving project meant to preserve Islamic intellectual traditions and make them more accessible to researchers and scholars worldwide.
To cap off the broad infrastructure improvements, more than 120,000 lighting units have been activated across the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and their surrounding areas. These high-efficiency lights not only ensure visual clarity and nighttime safety but also add to the majestic aesthetic that marks the sanctity of these revered sites.
With these multifaceted upgrades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made it abundantly clear that this year’s Hajj season will be marked by unprecedented attention to detail, hospitality, and care. Pilgrims from Nigeria and around the world can expect a Hajj experience that is not only deeply spiritual but also organised, inclusive, and thoroughly modern.
