In a move that promises to transform the experience of pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi authorities have unveiled a state-of-the-art underground parking facility with a digital twist, a new mobile application called Mawgif, developed under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This innovation allows users to conveniently reserve, pay for, and access parking spaces without the traditional hassles of finding a spot near one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The newly opened garage, located directly beneath Masjid an-Nabawi, offers an impressive 4,300 parking spaces spread across two levels. The upper floor is divided into 11 zones, while the lower accommodates 13 distinct sections. The design ensures a well-organised flow of traffic, aided by six ramps strategically placed to connect the garage with the major roads surrounding the mosque. This infrastructure is expected to ease congestion significantly, especially during peak pilgrimage periods.
Through the Mawgif app, available for download on iOS, Android, and Huawei platforms, users can register their vehicles using their plate numbers, preload funds into a digital wallet, and choose from a range of parking plans — whether hourly, monthly, or annual. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving service delivery to pilgrims and enhancing their overall experience.
Security and convenience are central to the facility’s operation. The underground garage is equipped with round-the-clock surveillance, digital signage for real-time space availability, and trained staff on standby to assist motorists. In-app notifications provide updates on parking status, helping drivers save time and avoid unnecessary delays.
According to information made available by the Ministry, this system not only brings order to the often chaotic parking environment around Masjid an-Nabawi but also ensures that visitors can focus on their spiritual journey with greater peace of mind. The app has been endorsed as the official parking solution for the mosque area, giving it an added layer of credibility and trust among users.
In the event of technical glitches, users are advised to contact the Ministry’s support team directly through the Mawgif app or seek help from staff stationed at the garage. For those needing to update vehicle details, the app likely provides a settings feature for making such changes, although on-site personnel are also available to assist. While specific policies around cancellations or modifications haven’t been detailed, users are encouraged to review the app’s terms or reach out to support for clarifications.
This new initiative stands as another example of how the Saudi government is embracing smart technology to serve the millions who travel to the Kingdom for religious purposes annually. As Nigeria continues to look towards improving infrastructure around sacred and high-traffic sites, the Kingdom’s approach offers a model worth examining.
