The authority overseeing the Two Holy Mosques has expanded a range of services for elderly worshippers and people with disabilities at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The measures include dedicated passages, electric transport and specially equipped prayer areas, all aimed at making it easier for older and less mobile pilgrims to perform their rites in comfort and safety during a busy Umrah season.

Dedicated passages and prayer areas

According to the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, dedicated passages have been allocated for elderly people and persons with disabilities inside the Grand Mosque. The routes are distributed at strategic points to ease movement and reduce the difficulty these groups can face when entering, exiting or moving between the different levels of the mosque.

The authority has also set aside prayer areas designed for the elderly and people with disabilities. These are located in the King Fahd expansion on the first floor, near Gates 91 and 64, allowing worshippers who need extra space or seating to pray without navigating the most crowded sections of the mosque.

Electric transport for Tawaf and Sa'i

Mobility is a central focus of the new arrangements. Electric shuttle services operate in the eastern square to carry elderly worshippers from the Gaza Bridge to the Al-Salam Basement, helping them cross the mosque's vast footprint without exhaustion. For the Sa'i, the walking ritual between Safa and Marwah, large electric vehicles are stationed at several access points, including the Al-Marwah and Al-Arqam stairways and their elevators.

The authority operates a large fleet of golf carts to move pilgrims who cannot walk long distances. Together with dedicated elevators and escalators, these services allow older pilgrims to complete Tawaf and Sa'i on the upper levels, where crowds are often lighter, while still fulfilling the requirements of their worship.

Language help and digital guidance

Support extends beyond physical access. Volunteers and guides who speak several languages provide on-site escorts, and sign-language interpretation is available for worshippers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Nusuk app offers accessible route guidance within both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and pilgrims can register for disability-related services through it before they arrive.

Practical tips

  • Use the upper floors. Elderly pilgrims can perform Tawaf and Sa'i on the higher levels, which are less crowded and served by lifts and electric carts.
  • Register early on Nusuk. Sign up for disability and mobility services through the app before travelling to reduce waiting on arrival.
  • Locate the nearest accessible gate. Gates 91 and 64 lead to prayer areas set aside for the elderly and people with disabilities.
  • Travel during off-peak hours. Where possible, visit outside the busiest prayer times to make use of the dedicated passages with less congestion.
  • Ask a volunteer for help. Multilingual guides and escorts are on hand and can direct pilgrims to the nearest transport point.

The services reflect a continued effort to make the holy sites easier to navigate for every pilgrim, regardless of age or physical ability, as visitor numbers climb through the current Umrah season.