Services at the Prophet's Mosque: 4700 wheelchairs to serve people with disabilities
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on serving pilgrims, and the comfort of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques is a top priority for its wise leadership. In this context, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque announced the provision of a comprehensive system of accessible services to ensure the comfort of people with disabilities and the elderly at the Prophet's Mosque, especially during the Hajj season, which witnesses the arrival of millions of Muslims from all over the world.
Providing 4700 advanced wheelchairs and electric vehicles
As part of ongoing efforts to facilitate movement and worship, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has provided over 4,700 wheelchairs strategically located within the Prophet's Mosque and its outer courtyards. Visitors can easily borrow them from designated gate management offices and points of access. Services are not limited to manual wheelchairs; they also include modern electric carts that can accommodate several people, transporting over 8,000 elderly and disabled individuals daily across the outer courtyards, thus reducing physical exertion and expediting access to the mosque's gates.
Accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities in the Prophet's Mosque
The available services include specially prepared prayer areas located very close to the main entrances of the Prophet's Mosque. These prayer areas are equipped with dedicated and safe pathways for wheelchairs and strollers. In addition, the entrances are equipped with elevators and ramps that meet international standards to facilitate entry and exit. Clear signage has also been installed to enable access to these services, and designated parking spaces for vehicles of people with disabilities are located near the entrances in the lower parking area of the Prophet's Mosque.
Digital and guidance services during the Hajj season
With the increasing number of pilgrims, field efforts are intensifying. Services include providing Braille copies of the Quran for the visually impaired and simultaneous sign language interpretation of sermons, ensuring the inclusion of all groups in the spiritual atmosphere. Interactive digital maps have also been installed at the entrances to guide visitors on how to access available facilities. These digital transformations align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program, which aims to enrich and facilitate the religious experience.
7500 field staff and a global impact to serve the pilgrims
To ensure the efficient operation of this system, more than 7,500 field staff, along with volunteers, provide operational and guidance services. These staff members focus on efficient crowd management and promoting modern services such as visitor care centers, childcare centers, and multilingual location guidance.
Historically, the Kingdom has been a pioneer in developing services for the Two Holy Mosques. This advancement in services for people with disabilities has a significant positive impact both regionally and internationally, as the Prophet's Mosque sets a remarkable example in managing massive crowds with meticulous attention to human needs and providing an inclusive environment for all. These efforts not only facilitate worship but also reflect Islam's tolerant message of ease and compassion, leaving a lasting positive impression on millions of pilgrims and visitors returning home from around the world.
