In a move aimed at preserving Islamic heritage while enhancing visitor experience, Saudi Arabian authorities have announced the temporary closure of the revered Bir Ghars site in Madina. The historic location, situated close to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an Nabawi), has been shut down to allow for comprehensive development and maintenance work, according to an official statement released by the Presidency of Religious Affairs.
The closure, which takes immediate effect, is part of a broader initiative to modernize key Islamic landmarks while maintaining their historical integrity. Bir Ghars holds deep spiritual significance in Islamic tradition, as it is among the sites where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was known to have personally planted date palms. It is frequently visited by Muslim pilgrims undertaking Ziara, a religious form of visitation that often includes stops at places associated with the Prophet’s life in Madina.
While authorities have not given an exact timeline for the reopening, they assured the public that maintenance and construction teams would be working round the clock to expedite the upgrade process and minimize any inconvenience to pilgrims and residents. The improvement works are expected to include both structural preservation efforts and the enhancement of visitor amenities such as access routes, seating areas, and signage, all in line with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to improve religious tourism infrastructure.
Officials have called on pilgrims and local visitors to respect the temporary barriers and comply with all safety instructions around the site. They also encouraged people to explore nearby historical alternatives while the upgrade work continues. Directional signs and detour notices have been placed to guide pilgrims to other Ziara destinations within the vicinity of Masjid an Nabawi.
This development aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to not only diversify its economy through tourism but also ensure that religious sites are preserved and made more accessible for future generations of Muslim pilgrims.
Bir Ghars, like many other Islamic landmarks in Madina, continues to play an important role in connecting worshippers with the early history of Islam, and its temporary closure is seen as a necessary step in safeguarding that legacy for decades to come.