Booking Tawaf carts from the hotel: A smart service for the comfort of pilgrims
In a qualitative step that reflects the rapid development in the Hajj and Umrah services system, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque launched an innovative electronic service aimed at facilitating the journey of the guests of God, which is represented in making available the booking of manual Tawaf and Sa’i carts (with a payer) to reach the pilgrims in their accommodation in Makkah hotels.
A digital leap in serving the guests of God
This initiative is part of a series of digital transformations taking place in the Hajj and Umrah services sector, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the comfort of pilgrims. This service ends an era of hardship previously endured by pilgrims, especially the elderly and people with disabilities, who struggled to find wheelchairs upon arrival at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The new service ensures that the wheelchair and accompanying person are delivered directly to the hotel entrance, providing a safe and comfortable start to performing the rituals.
Service details and work mechanism
The new system relies on the "Tanqul" platform and the Authority's smart applications, operating with an advanced technological mechanism that allows the pilgrim:
- Locate the residence accurately using digital maps.
- Choosing the type of ritual (Tawaf only, or a complete Umrah that includes Sa'i).
- Determine the route of the trip (one way only from the hotel to the Haram, or round trip to ensure return to the place of residence).
- Complete the payment process and confirm the booking electronically in easy steps.
Once the request is confirmed, the task is automatically assigned to one of the qualified and licensed payers authorized by the authority, who then proceeds immediately to the beneficiary's location at the specified time.
Importance and expected impact
This service carries significant humanitarian and organizational dimensions. On a humanitarian level, it provides reassurance to pilgrims and their families, alleviating anxiety about navigating crowded areas and ensuring the presence of a reliable and trained guide. On an organizational level, the service contributes to:
- Reducing congestion and overcrowding at traditional cart distribution points within the courtyards of the Holy Mosque.
- Organizing the flow of pilgrims from the central area to the Haram in a more streamlined manner.
- Reducing dealings with irregular workers, and ensuring the quality and reliability of the service provided.
Continuing the development process
This measure is part of a comprehensive package of services through which the Authority seeks to make the Umrah pilgrimage a spiritually enriching experience, free from unnecessary physical hardship. These steps underscore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to harnessing all available technological and human resources to serve pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and ensure they can perform their religious rites in an atmosphere of spirituality and tranquility.
