Saudi Arabia explores zoning of Masjid Al-Haram

RIYADH – In a bid to enhance more facilities for pilgrims, the authorities in Saudi Arabia are exploring to divide Masjid Al-Haram into various zones.

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Postal and Logistics Company inked an agreement during a conference focused on the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage in 2024.

This study aims to find the impact of zoning to streamline navigation for worshippers and workers within the vast premises by clearly identifying specific areas.

The Saudi government has introduced various facilities to facilitate Muslim pilgrims, including allowing visa holders to enter the country through air, sea, and land.

In another move to make things easier, Saudi Arabia has introduced measures to simplify Umrah procedures, including citizens inviting international friends and eliminating the requirement for female pilgrims to have male guardians.

Additionally, individuals from Gulf Cooperation Council countries can also apply for a tourist visa for Umrah regardless of their profession.

This comprehensive approach reflects the commitment to ensuring a smooth and accessible pilgrimage experience for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia.

In addition, the Saudi government is also finalizing the arrangements for welcoming over 2 million Hajj pilgrims from all around the world this year.

It is noteworthy that the hajj of 2023 was the first full-capacity annual pilgrimage in the post-pandemic period. A total of 1, 845, 045 pilgrims, including 1, 660, 915 foreign pilgrims and 184, 130 domestic pilgrims, performed the last Hajj.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims perform a series of rituals, symbolizing unity, equality, and spiritual cleansing.