Performing Umrah in Ramadan? Use these gates for exit, entry

MECCA – The government of Saudi Arabia has ramped up the efforts to finalize the arrangements to welcome millions of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan brings new challenges for the Saudi government as the number of Umrah pilgrims increases; however, to cope with the challenge, the government makes suitable arrangements.

For this year, the government has also allocated some gates for the pilgrims through which they can enter and leave the holy places including the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

As per the announcement, the Umrah pilgrims can enter the Grand Mosque through King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, Umrah Gate, and Al-Salam Gate, besides 85-93 doors of the ground floor except door number 88, Ajyad Staircase, Ajyad Bridge, Shubaika Stairways of 65-66, King Fahd Stairways of 91-92, and Stairway 84.

The designated exits for Umrah pilgrims include side crossings of 78 – 80, stairway 74, regular stairways 71 – 73 – 85 – 88, King Fahd staircase, doors 75 – 77 and 81 – 83 while Al-Shubika staircase is designated for emergency cases. These are in addition to King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, Umrah Gate, and Al-Zubair Gate on the ground floor, Ajyad Bridge, Shubaika Bridge, Othman Bridge, King Fahd Elevators on the first floor, Al-Arqam Stairway elevators, Umrah Gate elevators, Ajyad Stairway elevators, and Marwa Stairway elevators on the second floor and the roof for people with special needs, Saudi Gazette reported.

It bears mentioning that the government welcomes pilgrims throughout the year but the holy month of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims with religious reverence and zeal and many of them arrive in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Especially the last ten days of Ramadan see an influx of pilgrims from across the world. To book the slots for Umrah and get the permit, the government has also requested the pilgrims to use the digital platforms which include Nusuk App and Tawakkalna Services Application.

After the Umrah season is over, the authorities would gear up for the preparations related to Hajj which is scheduled to be held during the month of June. The government is expecting around 2 million pilgrims during the Hajj season.