Authorities in Madinah are sharpening their preparations for the Umrah season, reviewing operational plans for the Prophet's Mosque while the agency that runs the site expands the use of technology to manage the crowds visiting Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah. According to Arab News and Siasat, the moves aim to raise service standards and ease the flow of visitors to one of the most sought-after spots in the mosque.
Operational readiness under review
According to Arab News, Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, has stressed the importance of early planning, stronger coordination among the relevant authorities and improved operational readiness to maintain high standards for visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.
Officials reviewed the operational plan and the readiness of each sector for the season. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah presented seasonal indicators and outlined key initiatives, part of a wider effort to prepare Madinah for the visitors who travel there before or after performing Umrah in Makkah.
New rules for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah
Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, the area between the Prophet's pulpit and his house that is often referred to as Riyadul Jannah, draws intense demand, and access has long been managed through timed permits booked on the Nusuk app.
According to Siasat, Saudi Arabia has announced an updated schedule and new entry regulations for pilgrims visiting the Rawdah. The system is designed to improve crowd management, strengthen safety and offer a more organised experience. Elderly visitors are permitted to enter using a manual wheelchair to ensure ease of access.
The permit-based approach is intended to spread visits across the day and reduce the dangerous crowding that can build up in such a confined and revered space. Pilgrims are advised to secure a permit in advance and to arrive at their allotted time.
Technology guiding the crowds
The agency responsible for the Prophet's Mosque has increasingly turned to artificial intelligence to manage visitor flow. According to the reports, AI-powered tools analyse visitor traffic to identify the best times for entry, helping to smooth peaks and avoid bottlenecks.
The same systems support multilingual signage and services aimed at the elderly and people with disabilities, reflecting the diversity of pilgrims who arrive from across the world speaking many languages.
Practical advice for visitors to Madinah
Pilgrims planning to visit the Prophet's Mosque should book any Rawdah permit through the Nusuk app well ahead of their preferred slot, as demand routinely exceeds availability. Arriving at the scheduled time helps keep the flow orderly and improves everyone's chances of a calm visit.
Visitors should also follow the guidance of the mosque staff and organisers, keep movements unhurried in crowded areas, and take advantage of the support services provided for older pilgrims and those with limited mobility. A visit to Madinah is not a pillar of Umrah, but for many it is among the most cherished parts of the journey, and a little planning helps preserve its tranquillity.