Booking vehicles for the Grand Mosque in Mecca: 6400 vehicles to serve the pilgrims
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has developed a comprehensive transportation system. In a pioneering step to facilitate the performance of rituals, 6,400 manual and electric carts have been made available to serve the pilgrims, with the option of advance booking through hotels. This reflects the significant advancements in crowd management and in meeting the needs of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
The historical context of the development of transportation services in the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, transportation services at the Grand Mosque have undergone a radical transformation over the past decades. In the past, the elderly and people with disabilities relied on simple wooden stools (muhaffas) carried on people's shoulders, and this later evolved to the use of traditional manual wheelchairs. With the increasing number of pilgrims and Umrah performers year after year, the Saudi leadership recognized the urgent need for a qualitative leap. Today, this service has been transformed into a fully integrated smart system that relies on the latest technologies and electronic applications, representing a tremendous leap forward in the history of care provided to the guests of God, and aligning with global technological advancements.
Vehicle system details: 6400 vehicles to serve the pilgrims
Recent upgrades included the establishment of specialized centers to provide free wheelchair services at strategic locations. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has provided over 6,000 manual wheelchairs distributed across various points within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. In addition, a modern system comprising over 400 electric wheelchairs has been launched, offering easy and safe transportation options, particularly during peak seasons and Hajj. Furthermore, 25 wheelchairs specifically designed for transporting people with disabilities have been allocated, granting them greater flexibility in performing the rituals with ease and convenience, with meticulously organized pick-up points to ensure prompt access to the service.
Digital transformation: The “Tanqul” platform and hotel bookings
To further its digital transformation efforts, the authority has enabled online booking of transportation services through the unified “Tanqul” platform. This platform allows pilgrims to book in advance, organize their schedules, and significantly reduce waiting times. Among the most notable and recently introduced services is the ability to book a handcart directly from the user's hotel. This service allows pilgrims to request the service directly without needing to go to distribution points in the squares, thus saving time and effort.
The importance of the event and its local and international impact
At the local level, this system contributes to regulating crowd movement within the Grand Mosque, preventing overcrowding and ensuring smooth flow in accordance with international safety standards. Operation and maintenance plans are implemented by specialized field teams who continuously monitor the technical readiness of the vehicles. Regionally and internationally, this development enhances the positive image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leading nation in managing massive crowds and utilizing technology to serve Muslims. Providing the utmost comfort for the elderly and people with disabilities from around the world underscores the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030, which aim to enrich the experience of pilgrims and elevate the services provided at the Two Holy Mosques.
