Services for the elderly and people with disabilities at the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan (in numbers)

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its intensive efforts to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims, with a particular focus on providing exceptional care for the elderly and people with disabilities. This care is especially evident during the holy month of Ramadan, when the Prophet's Mosque witnesses the arrival of millions of visitors from all corners of the earth, necessitating a full mobilization of human and technological resources to ensure that worship is performed in an atmosphere of tranquility and ease.

Comprehensive care that reflects the status of the Two Holy Mosques

The services provided at the Prophet's Mosque are not limited to organizational aspects alone, but stem from a profound sense of responsibility towards those visiting the mosque of the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him. These services are an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques, where all resources are dedicated to facilitating access for visitors, especially those requiring special care. These facilities are part of a comprehensive system designed to accommodate the large crowds while maintaining smooth flow of movement and ensuring the safety of worshippers.

Engineering and technical equipment to serve people with disabilities

The Authority ensured that the infrastructure of the Prophet's Mosque was accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities by allocating specially equipped prayer areas near the main entrances to facilitate access and avoid overcrowding. In a humanitarian and civilized gesture, a designated area for the deaf was established on the western roof near Gate 6, with simultaneous sign language interpretation of the Friday sermon, ensuring their inclusion in the spiritual atmosphere and enabling them to benefit from the lessons and sermons. The Authority also addressed the needs of the visually impaired by providing copies of the Quran printed in Braille, which were distributed throughout the mosque.

Advanced transportation system: carriages and elevators

To ensure easy movement within the mosque's halls and vast courtyards, the authority has enhanced its mobility services by providing a fleet of electric carts and wheelchairs. Carts are available for free loan at exits 309 and 343, and ramps have been installed at entrances and facilities to facilitate access for wheelchair users.

This movement is supported by a massive mechanical system that includes:

• 180 strategically distributed electric elevators.
• 156 escalators in the courtyards and outdoor facilities.
• 24 escalators inside the mosque to serve access to the roofs and upper floors.

These facilities play a pivotal role in crowd management and reducing congestion, especially during peak times before and after the obligatory prayers and the Taraweeh prayer.

Dedicated health and service facilities

To further enhance comfort, the Authority has equipped drinking water facilities with low, accessible stands suitable for wheelchair users, facilitating their easy access to Zamzam water. Additionally, 62 fully equipped restrooms for the elderly and people with disabilities, distributed between the men's and women's facilities, ensuring the availability of essential services according to international health and engineering standards befitting the status of the Prophet's Mosque and its visitors.