Makkah Unveils Grand Mosque Upgrades for Smooth Hajj Experience
The Royal Commission expanded pedestrian walkways across 235,000 square meters, easing access to the Grand Mosque from key transportation routes and facilities. Additionally, the Commission installed over 30,000 square meters of shaded areas to protect pilgrims from heat, improving comfort while walking or waiting.
Furthermore, the Commission expanded the prayer areas to accommodate 60,000 more worshippers, thereby reducing congestion in high-traffic areas during busy prayer times. Comfort and Safety Enhancements
To enhance comfort, the Commission coated six major sites, including Ajyad Street, Ibrahim Al Khalil Street, and the Clock Towers Plaza, with a heat-mitigating material, lowering temperatures by 15°C across 50,000 square meters to protect pilgrims. Moreover, the Commission introduced a unified visual guidance system in the central zone, enhanced by new signage and wayfinding tools.
To support accessibility, the Commission deployed electric golf carts to assist elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities, using dedicated lanes for their mobility. Urban Development Initiatives
Moreover, the Commission organized commercial storefronts to achieve a consistent urban look and equipped more barber shops to serve pilgrims.
These upgrades form part of a larger urban plan that emphasizes both seasonal pilgrimage preparations and continuous service improvement throughout the year. Consequently, the Commission connects the upgrades to Makkah's transport systems and improves the area's coherence, aiming for a safer, more efficient worshipper experience.
In conclusion, the comprehensive upgrades around the Grand Mosque are set to revolutionize the Hajj experience. With enhanced pedestrian flow, expanded prayer areas, and improved comfort and mobility, pilgrims can look forward to a more seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey.
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