In a significant move aimed at enriching the spiritual journey of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a substantial increase in the daily visitor capacity of Rawdah Al Sharifah, a revered section within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. According to Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the facility can now accommodate over 52,000 visitors each day, a development driven by ongoing expansion and modernization works.
The announcement, which comes as part of preparations for the 1446/2025 Hajj season, highlights the Kingdom’s strategic efforts to seamlessly blend faith, technology, and infrastructure in service of the millions of Muslim faithful who visit the holy site annually. Dr. Al-Rabiah disclosed that the capacity upgrade was made possible through the construction of 12 new entrances to Rawdah Al Sharifah, allowing for a more fluid entry and exit process that reduces congestion and enhances visitor safety.
The enhanced infrastructure is complemented by modern crowd control systems, climate-regulated zones, and reinforced security protocols to ensure that pilgrims perform their religious rites in comfort and tranquility. The upgrades also include state-of-the-art smart surveillance installations and improved facilities for the elderly and physically challenged, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the holy cities.
Describing the significance of the development, Dr. Al-Rabiah noted that Rawdah Al Sharifah is a spiritually significant space within Islam, often regarded as a part of Paradise, and any expansion must honor its sanctity. “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to preserving the spiritual serenity of Rawdah while ensuring that an increasing number of visitors can access it peacefully and efficiently,” he said.
Since 2022, the Prophet’s Mosque has been undergoing a phased transformation aimed at improving the pilgrim experience without compromising the historical and spiritual integrity of the site. The improvements form part of a broader national vision to make pilgrimage smoother, safer, and more fulfilling through smart technology and world-class infrastructure.
In a related advisory, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged intending pilgrims and visitors to download and utilize the “Nusuk” mobile application for real-time updates on prayer slot availability, crowd levels, and movement logistics within the mosque complex. This is in line with the Kingdom’s digital-first approach to managing the influx of visitors during both Hajj and Umrah seasons.
As Hajj 2025 approaches, Saudi Arabia continues to lead with a proactive stance that prioritizes the comfort, dignity, and spiritual wellbeing of pilgrims, while also preserving the sanctity of Islam’s most sacred sites.
