In a bold move aimed at enhancing the safety and comfort of pilgrims, particularly children and the elderly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has begun the free distribution of safety wristbands at key access points within the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The initiative, which is fully managed by Saudi authorities, is part of a broader strategy to prevent incidents of missing individuals during peak worship hours, especially amidst the dense crowds seen during prayer times.
According to verified information available , the wristbands are being issued around the clock at two major gates of the Grand Mosque — the King Abdulaziz Gate 1 and King Fahd Gate 79. These gates serve as central entry and exit points for tens of thousands of worshippers daily, and the choice of these locations ensures maximum reach to those in need of the service.
Each bracelet is embedded with a unique RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) code that allows the authorities to quickly trace and identify any individual who becomes separated from their group. Crucially, the wristbands are encoded without storing any personal data, ensuring user privacy while maintaining high functionality. The embedded code can be scanned by security personnel to reunite lost individuals with their families swiftly and efficiently, bypassing the need for mobile apps or digital registration.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to collect these bracelets for their children, while elderly visitors — particularly those with mobility challenges — are given special attention and priority when receiving them. The initiative has proven to be highly effective, with Saudi officials confirming a dramatic reduction in missing persons cases within the holy site. In fact, data indicates that reports of lost children have nearly dropped to zero since the launch of the program.
The wristbands remain active throughout the visitor’s stay inside the mosque and are automatically deactivated once the person exits the premises. Pilgrims are not charged any fees for the wristbands, and the service is provided as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to safeguard all worshippers and uphold the sanctity and serenity of Masjid al-Haram.
This development is particularly timely, given the ever-growing number of pilgrims from across the globe converging on the holy city of Makkah, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. It reflects a wider commitment by Saudi authorities to modernize and secure the pilgrimage experience without infringing on the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site.
As reported, officials maintain an active presence at both designated gates to ensure that any family requiring assistance can obtain the safety bracelets with ease. It is yet another example of how technology and tradition can be harmoniously blended to protect lives and enhance the religious journey for millions.
