Government agencies in the holy city of Mecca have begun implementing and activating their programs and plans to provide the best services for visitors and pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan this year. Mecca is currently witnessing a high influx of pilgrims and visitors from both within and outside the Kingdom, coming to perform Umrah and prayers at the ancient Kaaba during this sacred month.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched its plan for this year’s Ramadan season, which includes several projects. Among the highlights is the trial launch of the “Naskh Dissolution” service through 5 designated sites equipped with safe and hygienic standards. The presidency is offering, for the first time, a hair cutting service within movable carts that can accommodate increased crowds and flows. They have also developed a luggage storage service to ensure organized storage through two centers equipped with shelves and an electronic tracking and monitoring system.
Additionally, the presidency has designated 6 sites for luggage pick-up at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque. They have also increased the number of electric carts, known as “golf carts”, to 400 distributed across 11 locations inside the Grand Mosque. These carts have a uniform visual identity reflecting the unique character of the Grand Mosque. Furthermore, they have introduced hand carts with special designs to meet the seasonal needs and improved the experience of seclusion through a range of new services. They have also enhanced the environment to facilitate the performance of worship in comfort and peace in the Grand Mosques, developed iftar travel services through an electronic registration system, added nutritional elements, set up categorized guideboards for visitors to access facilities and services, and opened 3 hospitality centers for children to provide a religious and educational experience.
Significantly, operational services in the Grand Mosques have been reinforced to ensure cleanliness, sanitization, and perfuming with specialized equipment, tools, and machinery. Moreover, fully serviced restrooms have been put into operation, and the number of prayer rugs has been increased. Multiple points have been set up for serving Zamzam water to guarantee the availability of cold and non-cold water 24/7, and the door systems have been adapted to facilitate entry and exit.
Special entrances have been allocated for the elderly and people with disabilities, and the response teams have been intensified 24/7 to receive feedback, inquiries, maintenance requests, and updates to meet the requirements of this year’s Ramadan season. The management of assets and facilities has been enhanced through improved systems for escalators, elevators, air conditioning, lighting, ventilation, sound systems, and power sources. Comprehensive maintenance has been carried out for doors and restrooms, in addition to implementing environmental protection standards to ensure the health and safety of visitors. Advanced systems are being utilized to monitor weather conditions and respond promptly to any climatic changes.
