Number of electric golf carts in Grand Mosque doubled to 400 in Ramadan
It has also introduced specially designed handcarts that meet the needs of pilgrims during the season, providing comfortable transportation options that facilitate the performance of the rituals with ease and convenience.
The Authority has provided several types of carts inside the Grand Mosque, including free handcarts located in the eastern courtyard at Bab al-Salam (Gate No. 19) and the western courtyard at Al-Shabika Bridge (Gate 64), and paid handcarts located in the ground path (Gate 14), the path on the first floor (Gate 16), Al-Shabika Bridge (Gate 64) in the western courtyard, and the southern courtyard next to restroom No. 2.
It also made available electric golf carts that can be booked directly through booths at Al-Shabika Bridge (Gate 64), Ajyad Bridge (Gate 4), and Ajyad Stairs from the first floor (Gate 4).
These carts provide comfort for the elderly and people with disabilities and help pilgrims who may find it difficult to walk inside the Grand Mosque.
They also help organize the movement of visitors and reduce congestion, especially during the peak Ramadan season, which witnesses a high density of worshippers and pilgrims. The electric golf cart service is also provided free of charge to people with disabilities.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
17 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Chinese retail apps driving 73 per cent of UAE e-commerce ad spend
In the first six months of 2025, Chinese e-commerce applications accounted for 73 per cent of all user acquisition (UA) ad spend in the UAE, according to the annual State of eCommerce Mobile Marketing report recently released by AppsFlyer. While further behind, France at 13 per cent and India at 8 per cent of UA spend in the UAE are also fast emerging as significant challengers, driven by targeted campaigns and expat-focused strategies. The report highlights the intensifying competition overseas brands pose to local e-commerce retailers, which saw their own UA ad spend shrink. According to experts, this likely reflects a mix of budget reallocations, mounting competitive pressure and market consolidation. AppsFlyer analysts note that home-grown players still have an opportunity to grow, provided they adopt clearer strategies and embrace performance-driven, localised campaigns. Sue Azari, Industry Lead – eCommerce, AppsFlyer, said, 'Chinese apps have long been seeking growth outside their home market, and with tariffs and global trade headwinds pushing them to diversify, the UAE has been a natural fit given its premium audience and digital maturity.' Azari added, 'At the same time, French brands are tapping into premium iOS users here, while Indian advertisers likely see the UAE's significant South Asian expat base as an affordable, yet highly engaged segment.' UA spend dips overall despite strong early-year performance Despite the UAE's advanced mobile ecosystem, with smartphone penetration at 97 per cent and average daily mobile internet use exceeding four hours, UA ad spending by e-commerce apps declined in H1 2025. Android UA spend fell 21 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, while iOS spending was down just 6 per cent, reflecting its relative resilience. Yet, H1 2025 still delivered the largest half-year remarketing spend to date, with Q1 alone tripling Q1 2024 levels — a clear sign of the impact of seasonal spikes during Ramadan and major retail events. Azari said, 'Marketers should take note of the pronounced peaks in Q1 tied to Ramadan and plan their upcoming campaigns accordingly, while building in remarketing strategies to sustain engagement beyond holiday periods.' She added, 'The decline in Android UA spend could also present opportunities for savvy brands to capture lower-cost inventory while still reaching a vast user base.' With Android remarketing campaigns tripling late last year and iOS installs accelerating, the UAE remains a dynamic and competitive market for mobile commerce. 'Advertisers who balance premium iOS strategies with cost-effective Android engagement, and adapt budgets around seasonal patterns, stand the best chance of standing out in a crowded field,' Azari added. iOS shows breakout growth and lower fraud rates The report underscores how iOS is entering a breakout phase in the UAE. By the end of this year, Android app installs are projected to grow by 713 per cent since 2017, while iOS is surging to over 1,383 per cent over the same period, with installs expected to more than double year-on-year in 2025. iOS has also seen a marked improvement in fraud prevention, with fraud rates dropping 63 per cent year-on-year in H1 2025. By contrast Android's fraud rate jumped 234 per cent in the same period. This suggests iOS is becoming an increasingly attractive and safer, channel for marketers, even as Android remains critical for scale.
Campaign ME
18 hours ago
- Campaign ME
How Saudi National Day became a month-long celebration
Saudi National Day has always been a symbol of national pride, unity and cultural identity. But in the past decade, it has evolved into something far greater, a nationwide movement that blends tradition with modernity, celebration with commerce, and culture with creativity. What was once a single day marked on the calendar is now an entire season of anticipation and shared experiences, stretching across September and touching nearly every aspect of life in the Kingdom. This evolution speaks volumes about the cultural and economic transformation sweeping through Saudi Arabia. Today, Saudi National Day is not just a time for reflection; it is an expression of progress, optimism and belonging. Families gather, streets light up in green, and social platforms ignite with messages of national pride and celebration. Alongside the cultural pageantry, shopping has become an integral part of this celebration. Exclusive collections, limited-time offers, and experiential activations have become part of the fabric of Saudi National Day. For brands, this is no longer a passive observance, it is one of the most significant cultural and commercial moments of the year. In 2024 alone, more than 33 million Saudis participated in National Day festivities, underscoring its scale and growing influence. As the celebration grows in scale and significance, consumer expectations have shifted. Audiences are not looking for generic campaigns or one-off discounts; they want experiences that feel authentic, creative and deeply rooted in their identity. They want brands to share in their pride, not just broadcast promotions. In an era where cultural relevance drives brand preference, those who approach National Day as a checklist item risk being left behind. The winners are those whco enter the conversation early, listen closely, and contribute meaningfully to the shared sense of pride that defines the occasion. Last year, 88 per cent of users said their Saudi National Day purchases were influenced by content they viewed on Snapchat. During the same period, there was a 92 percent increase in 'Add to Cart' actions compared to the yearly average, making this one of the highest engagement peaks of the year, second only to Ramadan. Shopping isn't an afterthought during Saudi National Day; it is a cultural behaviour, and social platforms shape it in powerful ways. The celebration also sparks a surge in forward planning. 85 per cent of Snapchatters prepare shopping lists for National Day well in advance, and more than 77 per cent intend to buy in bulk or expect brands to offer significant discounts. This creates a long runway for brands to build awareness and drive consideration before the holiday itself. It also means waiting until September 23 to launch campaigns is no longer enough. The conversation begins weeks earlier and brands that join it early stay top of mind when the moment arrives. Creativity is at the heart of this evolution, and technology is giving it new dimensions. Augmented Reality has become one of the most compelling ways for people to celebrate their identity. Whether it's dressing your Bitmoji in a green outfit, exploring AR filters that showcase landmarks, or sharing immersive AR lenses with friends, these experiences have turned cultural pride into shareable moments. Last year, 89 per cent of users said AR lenses made their National Day celebration more shareable, a clear signal that immersive content isn't just engaging, it amplifies the sense of community around the occasion. The impact extends beyond expression to commerce. National Day has become a catalyst for shopping behaviour, with the month surrounding it seeing a 40 per cent increase in total purchase volume compared to the yearly average. Users don't just celebrate the day, they interact with it across every digital touchpoint, from stories and maps to chats and camera moments. This creates an ecosystem where inspiration and action coexist, allowing brands to move seamlessly from cultural storytelling to conversion. Saudi National Day is no longer a date on the calendar. It is a movement, one that celebrates heritage while embracing the future. For brands, the opportunity is immense, but it demands more than a token gesture. It requires early planning, creativity rooted in authenticity, and the courage to engage in ways that reflect how people are truly celebrating. Those that succeed will not only drive sales; they will earn trust, and place in a national conversation that is as much about pride and connection as it is about innovation. By Antoine Challita, Head of UAE Market, Snap Inc. MENA
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Hajj 2026: How Saudi plans to boost accommodation services
Image credit: Getty Images The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has launched a new digital service enabling hospitality facility operators in Makkah and Madinah to apply for increased bed capacity ahead of the 1447 AH Hajj season. Read- The initiative, available through the Tourism Activities Licenses Portal ( According to the ministry, the move reflects its commitment to operational efficiency and service quality, aligning with early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. By expanding digital capabilities, the ministry seeks to improve the overall pilgrim experience and ensure comfort and convenience throughout their spiritual journey. This latest measure complements the government's ongoing work to modernize its tourism infrastructure while maintaining adherence to approved procedures and regulations. It is also seen as a critical step toward achieving Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 goals in the tourism and religious service sectors. Operators are encouraged to use the portal to apply for capacity increases in a timely manner, ensuring readiness well before the pilgrimage begins.
