Developing field guidance at the Grand Mosque with 360 guides and simultaneous translation
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance services for pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has launched a series of significant improvements to its field guidance services. These enhancements aim to accommodate the high volume of worshippers visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative addresses operational challenges and ensures the smooth flow of pilgrims and worshippers throughout the Grand Mosque's courtyards and areas.
Strengthening human and technical resources
The development plan included supporting the field with 360 qualified field guides, carefully distributed across 60 guidance points covering all vital areas of the Grand Mosque. Efforts were not limited to increasing numbers; they also extended to providing the "foot teams" with multilingual simultaneous translation services. This measure aims to break down language barriers and enable visitors of all nationalities to reach their destinations and perform their rituals with ease, reflecting the universal message of the Two Holy Mosques.
Spatial intelligence and precise guidance
In its efforts to utilize technology to serve visitors, the new guidance system relies on a smart integration between human interaction and intelligent signage. This signage features a color-coding system and identification numbers, a universal language that facilitates visitors' ability to locate themselves and navigate to prayer areas, entrances, and service facilities. This integration of direct guidance and signage has effectively helped alleviate congestion and guide crowds with high efficiency.
Tangible results and growth in services
This field strategy yielded immediate and positive results, with official statistics recording a 30% increase in the number of beneficiaries of field guidance services. These improvements also contributed to a faster response time from field teams to pilgrims' inquiries and needs, ensuring the smooth flow of crowds without disrupting the tranquility and spirituality that characterize the atmosphere of the holy month.
General context and importance of development
These steps are particularly important given the increasing number of Umrah pilgrims year after year, and are in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's objectives to serve the guests of God and facilitate their spiritual journey. Developing the field guidance system is an integral part of the seasonal operational plans that prioritize the safety and comfort of visitors, thus reaffirming the Kingdom's leading role in managing millions of pilgrims efficiently and effectively.
