Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Grand Mosque in Makkah welcomed more than 4.1 million worshippers and Umrah pilgrims on the 29th night of Ramadan — one of the most spiritually significant nights of the holy month, during which the Qur’an completion (Khatm Al-Qur’an) prayers were held.

According to Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the night saw over 3.4 million worshippers gather for Isha and Taraweeh prayers, while more than 646,600 performed Umrah.

In addition, around 28,200 people benefited from mobility carts, 135,600 used location guidance services, and more than 42,000 bottles of Zamzam water and 702,000 iftar meals were distributed.

Worshippers began arriving early in the morning, filling every corridor, courtyard, and level of the Grand Mosque, including the Mataf area around the Kaaba.

With calm and devotion, pilgrims and worshippers performed their rituals in a spiritual atmosphere filled with reverence and serenity, hoping to witness the blessed night of Laylat Al-Qadr.

These smooth operations were made possible thanks to the services and projects implemented under the supervision of the Kingdom’s leadership, which ensured that worshippers could perform their rituals safely and comfortably.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque mobilized all its resources and personnel in coordination with relevant authorities. Measures were taken to guide crowds into designated prayer areas and manage the flow of worshippers, including elderly individuals and those with disabilities.

To support visitors, the authority provided categorized directional signs, enhanced cleanliness and sterilization, and equipped restrooms with all essential services. More than 33,000 prayer carpets were laid out, and multiple Zamzam distribution points were established with both chilled and unchilled options available around the clock.

Additionally, the door systems were optimized to ease entry and exit, with special entrances designated for elderly and disabled worshippers. Emergency response teams were also stationed to handle any reported issues promptly.