68 million pilgrims visited the Two Holy Mosques in Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH – Official statistics
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced in an official statement today huge statistics reflecting the great turnout at the Two Holy Mosques, as the total number of visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque during the month of Jumada al-Akhirah of the year 1447 AH reached about (68,741,853) visitors, amidst an integrated system of services aimed at the comfort of the guests of God.
Details of the number of worshippers and pilgrims at the Grand Mosque
In detailing the announced figures, the authority explained that the Grand Mosque in Mecca witnessed a massive influx of worshippers, with 30,016,073 performing their prayers within its precincts. The statistics also indicated that 94,776 worshippers prayed in the Hijr Ismail (the semi-circular area adjacent to the Kaaba), while the number of Umrah pilgrims performing their rituals during the same month reached 11,863,477, reflecting the high level of preparedness of the circumambulation area (Mataf) and the area between Safa and Marwa (Mas'a) to accommodate these large crowds.
Statistics of the Prophet's Mosque and the Noble Garden
Regarding the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the authority reported that the number of worshippers reached 23,116,271. Of these, 1,319,653 had the honor of praying in the Rawdah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit) under precise organizational procedures that ensured smooth flow of movement. Meanwhile, the number of those who had the honor of greeting the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his two companions (may God be pleased with them) reached 2,331,603.
Modern technology and its role in crowd management
In a related context, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques confirmed its reliance on the latest global technologies for monitoring crowd density. This involves using highly sensitive sensors installed on the floors of the main entrances to the Two Holy Mosques. This advanced technological step aims to accurately monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and enabling relevant authorities to manage crowds and distribute human flow with greater flexibility, ensuring everyone's safety. This is all part of a strategic partnership with relevant security and service agencies.
The significance of the figures and the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These millions of visitors underscore the remarkable success of the operational plans implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve pilgrims, and reflect the tremendous development in the infrastructure of the Two Holy Mosques resulting from the Third Saudi Expansion Projects. This steady increase in the number of visitors also aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to increase capacity and facilitate the hosting of 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually, while providing the highest standards of service that enrich the religious and cultural experience for visitors from around the world.
These statistics reflect the tremendous efforts made by the wise leadership in harnessing all human, material and technical capabilities to ensure that rituals and worship are performed in an atmosphere of tranquility, spirituality and security, thus consolidating the Kingdom’s leading position in serving Islam and Muslims.
