Umrah Performers Advised to Plan Ahead to Avoid Peak Hours at Grand Mosque

August 13, 2026 at 6:55 PM
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MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s  General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has urged Umrah performers to plan their rituals in advance and avoid peak crowding periods to ensure smoother movement and a more comfortable worship experience in the Mataf and Masaa areas.

According to the authority, crowd density at the Grand Mosque remains relatively low from 10 PM to 4 AM and from 9 AM to 4 PM, while moderate crowd levels are recorded between 5 AM and 8 AM, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.

The highest crowd density is typically observed between 5 PM and 9 PM.

The authority stressed that advance planning can help Umrah performers move more easily through the Grand Mosque and complete their rituals with greater comfort and convenience.

Pilgrims were also encouraged to make use of available digital services and live crowd-density indicators to monitor conditions and select the most suitable time to perform their Umrah rituals.

The guidance is aimed at helping manage crowd movement, reduce congestion and enhance the overall experience of worshippers visiting the Grand Mosque.

Umrah Performers Advised to Plan Ahead and Avoid Peak Hours at Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia enhances digital services for Umrah pilgrims

Saudi Arabia is also expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance services for pilgrims during the Umrah season.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has introduced advanced digital solutions to provide visitors with awareness, guidance, and religious information in multiple languages, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Among the new technologies is a smart robot designed to assist visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. The robot offers a range of interactive services, including directions, information about locations and available services, religious content, and real-time translation in several languages.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Enhances Digital Services for Umrah Pilgrims with AI Technology

These digital services are designed to make it easier for Umrah performers to access important information and religious guidance while improving communication with visitors from around the world.

The initiative also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to use smart technologies to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque during the Umrah season.

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