Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — In an air of spirituality seeking the blessings of the holy month, hundreds of thousands of worshipers thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to perform Isha and Taraweeh prayers on Friday night, marking the beginning of Ramadan. All preparations with integrated services are well in place to receive the huge number of pilgrims, who come to perform the rituals during the peak annual Umrah season seeking the anticipated great reward in the holy month.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque finalized its comprehensive preparations to welcome the holy month, focusing on enhancing the experience for worshippers through integrated operational systems, meticulous asset management, and close collaboration with all relevant authorities.

The authority implemented a raft of services, which encompasses the supervision of courtyards, extensive disinfection and sterilization protocols, transportation services, organized entry and exit procedures at the Grand Mosque's gates, and the continuous washing, disinfection, and perfuming of the entire mosque with premium fragrances.

The authority oversees the movement of vehicles within the Grand Mosque, designates accessible pathways for individuals with disabilities, and implements other essential services. The distribution of Zamzam water is conducted through designated vehicles, backpacks, bottled water, and thermoses.

Some 11,000 personnel are deployed across four shifts to ensure the comfort and well-being of visitors. Crowd management strategies are also implemented to optimize service delivery across all areas, particularly during peak times and in densely populated zones, ensuring the provision of seamless services to all worshippers.

At the Prophet’s Mosque, worshipers performed the Isha and Taraweeh prayers amid the vast arrangements made by the authority to streamline their movement and performance of the rituals.

Carpets were laid throughout the courtyards and expansions to accommodate the large number of worshipers, and all necessary services were prepared, including the provision of Zamzam water.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has finalized its comprehensive preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan.

Key initiatives implemented for this Ramadan season include the trial operation of a haircut service after completing the rituals of Umrah, available at five designated locations within the Grand Mosque.

The luggage storage service has been significantly upgraded, featuring electronic tracking and monitoring within two primary centers and six convenient luggage reception points at the main entrances.

To improve mobility within the Grand Mosque, the number of electric golf carts has been doubled to 400, strategically distributed across 11 locations. Furthermore, the Itikaf experience has been enhanced through new services and the creation of a more comfortable and reassuring environment for those performing this act of worship in the two holy mosques.

Iftar services have been streamlined through an advanced electronic registration system, and a wider variety of food items have been added to the offerings in the Two Holy Mosques. Three dedicated children’s hosting centers will operate, providing engaging cultural, religious, and educational experiences and allowing parents to perform rituals with peace of mind.

Operational services have been significantly enhanced, with increased cleaning, sterilization, and perfuming using specialized equipment. Fully equipped restrooms are operational, and the number of carpets has been doubled. Multiple Zamzam water points ensure the constant availability of chilled and non-chilled water. The gate systems have been refined to facilitate smooth entry and exit, with designated entrances for the elderly and people with disabilities. Reporting teams are available around the clock to address comments and inquiries.

In close collaboration with relevant authorities, comprehensive plans have been developed to manage crowds within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards. Informative guidance boards have been placed throughout the facilities, and specialized personnel are available for giving directions in multiple languages.

Social and enrichment services include holding an exhibition on the construction of the Holy Kaaba, and arranging visits to the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa. Libraries within the Two Holy Mosques have been stocked with a wide range of books, and an electronic QR code system provides access to enriching religious content. Copies of the Holy Qur’an have been made readily available throughout the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque