The Prophet's Mosque parking facilities: A smart system and integrated services for visitors
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to develop services for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has established a comprehensive parking system at the Prophet's Mosque. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at facilitating easy and convenient access for visitors and worshippers to the mosque's courtyards. The system is supported by the latest global technologies and smart, round-the-clock monitoring systems, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing the highest standards of comfort and safety for pilgrims.
High technical specifications and global safety standards
The new parking facilities at the Prophet's Mosque feature a well-planned capacity and state-of-the-art equipment. They include 24 dedicated parking units, each designed to accommodate 184 vehicles, effectively managing the high volume of vehicles, especially during peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj. Beyond the ample space, the facilities also prioritize public safety. The complex is equipped with over 1,000 strategically placed fire extinguishers and hose reels, along with 700 smart surveillance cameras. These cameras enhance security and monitor operational activity efficiently, ensuring rapid response in emergencies and precise control of entry and exit flow.
Main entrances and smooth flow of traffic
To prevent traffic congestion and facilitate visitor access, a network of main entrances was designed, covering the various geographical directions of the Prophet's Mosque. Visitors begin their journey to the parking areas via four main entrances:
- North side: Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road entrance.
- Southern side: Quba Road entrance and Prince Abdulmohsen Road entrance.
- Western side: Entrance to Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Road.
This geographical distribution of entrances contributes to easing traffic pressure on the central area and ensures a balanced distribution of vehicles, thus achieving high smoothness in traffic flow around the Prophet’s Mosque.
Digital payment solutions that keep pace with technological transformation
In its efforts to keep pace with digital transformation and streamline procedures for beneficiaries, the Authority has provided multiple smart payment options. Self-service payment is available through 48 dedicated payment devices located at the foot of stairs, reducing waiting times. Additionally, electronic payment is available via QR code scanning at the bottom of tickets, enhancing the visitor experience, saving time and effort, and aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for digitizing services.
The importance of the project in the context of serving the pilgrims
This project is of paramount importance beyond simply providing parking spaces; it represents a part of the massive infrastructure that the Kingdom is building to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims and visitors, aiming to reach 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030. Providing safe and smart parking directly contributes to improving the spiritual experience of visitors, as it removes the burden of searching for parking spaces or worrying about the safety of their vehicles, allowing them to devote themselves fully to worship and performing rituals in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
