Guest care centers at the Two Holy Mosques: 6 integrated services for pilgrims
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its tireless and intensive efforts to enhance the services provided to pilgrims during the Hajj season. In this context, a comprehensive field system has been implemented, based on guest care centers, comprising two main centers and 19 branch centers strategically located within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards. These centers aim to facilitate the journey of pilgrims and visitors, enriching their spiritual experience in an atmosphere of security, safety, and tranquility.
The historical context of serving the guests of God
Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently prioritized the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Hajj and Umrah services have evolved over the decades, progressing steadily from providing basic necessities to harnessing cutting-edge technologies and launching advanced institutional initiatives. This continuous development reflects the wise leadership's commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment, commensurate with the millions of pilgrims who flock annually to perform the rituals, and in line with the aspirations of the modern era.
What do guest care centers offer to pilgrims?
Guest care centers operate around the clock, within an integrated system to serve visitors, offering 6 main services including:
- Guidance and orientation: Helping pilgrims to find their routes and places to perform the rituals with ease.
- Luggage storage: Providing safe places to store pilgrims' belongings to reduce overcrowding in the courtyards.
- Lost and Found Management: Receiving and delivering lost items to their owners with high efficiency and reliability.
- Care for the elderly and people with disabilities: Providing wheelchairs and dedicated pathways to facilitate their movement.
- Child and women care: Providing customized services that meet their specific needs and ensure their comfort.
- Caring for the lost: Hosting missing persons in safe places until contact is made with their families.
Special care for lost persons and special needs groups
The authority emphasized the provision of utmost care and attention to lost children and women, especially during peak times and periods of extreme crowding. These individuals are received in well-equipped and comfortable facilities, subject to organized and secure security procedures. Lost persons remain in these centers under full care until their families are contacted and they are officially reunited with them. This measure enhances the sense of security and psychological well-being of pilgrims and ensures their safety within the holiest of places.
Modern technology in service of pilgrims
To enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in main corridors and prayer areas, the project introduced an advanced luggage storage service for pilgrims. In addition, modern digital communication channels were activated to facilitate quick and efficient access to services. The authority also provided geographical access to the locations of pilgrim care centers via QR code scanning. This technology enables pilgrims to locate the nearest service center using their smartphones and reach it within seconds.
The local and international impact of the Two Holy Mosques services
These exceptional efforts are of paramount importance and far-reaching impact. Locally, these centers contribute to highly efficient crowd management, preventing overcrowding and maintaining smooth traffic flow. Regionally and internationally, the provision of these advanced services reflects the Kingdom's positive image and its remarkable ability to successfully manage the world's largest gatherings, sending a message of reassurance to millions of Muslims worldwide.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques confirmed the readiness of these centers and their staff to operate at full capacity during the Hajj season. These steps reinforce and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims and enhance the quality of services provided to them through advanced and institutionalized service models that ensure the safety and comfort of all.
