In a pioneering step reflecting the ongoing development in serving pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has launched a new, high-quality service through its electronic "Mobility Platform." This innovative service allows Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to book a pushcart directly from their hotels surrounding the Holy Mosque. This initiative aims to enhance the pilgrims' experience and facilitate access to logistical services without the need to travel to traditional gathering points in the mosque's courtyards, thus saving time and effort.
Historically, serving pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah has received significant attention from the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Transportation within the Grand Mosque in Mecca has evolved from traditional wooden palans to handcarts, culminating in the integration of modern technology in managing this system. This current initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims, host increasing numbers of Muslims from around the world, and provide state-of-the-art digital services that facilitate the performance of rituals with ease and peace of mind.
Nusk's flexible and customized options
The new service, accessible through the mobility platform, offers multiple options that precisely consider the physical and time needs of pilgrims. Users can now easily specify the type of ritual they require, whether they wish to perform only Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba or complete a full Umrah, which includes the two essential pillars: Tawaf and Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa). The process is automated, assigning the request to one of the authorized and approved service providers, who then proceed to the designated hotel to receive and accompany the pilgrim. This step effectively reduces physical exertion and regulates the flow of vehicles within the designated pathways in the Grand Mosque, ensuring smooth movement, especially during peak times and busy seasons.
Integrated transportation routes for the comfort of pilgrims
The service includes two main transportation routes that pilgrims can choose from when completing their booking. The first route is a "one-way" route, where the journey begins at the hotel and ends with the completion of the rituals inside the Grand Mosque. The second route is a "hotel-to-hotel" route, which provides comprehensive escort starting from the pilgrim's accommodation, through the performance of all rituals, and then returning the pilgrim safely to their hotel. These pre-defined routes save pilgrims time and significantly reduce congestion at the main entrances and exits of the Grand Mosque, thus positively impacting crowd management and visitor safety.
Support for the elderly and people with disabilities
This humanitarian and technological initiative primarily targets the elderly and people with disabilities by automating procedures and making them smoother and more transparent. The electronic system allows for date selection, hotel choice, and immediate, secure digital payment. This technological transformation in transportation services reflects the exceptional care that organizers dedicate to the comfort of pilgrims. Regionally and internationally, these facilities leave a profound positive impact on millions of Muslims, highlighting the readiness of Makkah's digital infrastructure and its ability to provide a well-organized transportation experience that eliminates the need for pilgrims to search for service providers and ensures they can perform their rituals in a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
