Saudi Arabia has introduced a fresh set of safety regulations for the 1448 AH Umrah season, aimed at keeping the flow of worshippers moving smoothly through the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the regulations have been published in sixteen international languages so that pilgrims from around the world can understand them.
The measures combine digital crowd management with clear rules on conduct. They arrive as the Kingdom reports a strong start to the season, with Umrah arrivals rising sharply compared with the same period a year earlier.
Digital crowd management
At the centre of the new rules is a system of real-time crowd monitoring. According to the ministry, digital boards at mosque entrances now display color-coded signals to show how busy each area is. A green signal indicates that space is available, while a red signal warns that an area has reached capacity.
The system is designed to spread worshippers more evenly and to prevent dangerous crowding at peak times. Pilgrims are asked to watch these boards and to adjust their movements accordingly rather than pressing into areas that are already full.
The crowd-monitoring tools work alongside the Nusuk platform, through which pilgrims obtain their Umrah permits. Managing entry through timed permits allows authorities to control density before crowds even reach the mosque.
Rules on movement and conduct
The regulations set out clear expectations for how pilgrims should move through the holy sites. Worshippers are instructed to follow signboards and designated pedestrian paths in an orderly fashion, keeping to marked routes to avoid bottlenecks.
The ministry has also listed activities that are strictly prohibited during Umrah. According to the regulations, these include carrying weapons, smoking, begging, selling unauthorised goods, and obstructing traffic or pedestrian flow. Such conduct can endanger others in dense crowds and disrupt the movement of pilgrims.
Enforcement of these rules is intended to protect the safety and dignity of all worshippers, particularly during busy periods when the mataf (the area around the Ka'bah) fills quickly.
Provisions for vulnerable pilgrims
The new framework includes special arrangements for those who need extra care. According to the ministry, elderly pilgrims are being provided with designated prayer areas so they can worship without being caught in the densest crowds.
These provisions reflect a broader effort across the Two Holy Mosques to make the pilgrimage more accessible to older worshippers and those with limited mobility. Directing vulnerable groups to quieter, clearly marked spaces reduces the risk of injury and allows them to complete their rituals with greater ease.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims planning Umrah this season should familiarise themselves with the color-coded entrance boards and treat a red signal as a cue to wait or use an alternative route. Following the marked pedestrian paths, rather than cutting across the flow, helps everyone move safely.
It is important to secure a valid permit through the Nusuk app before heading to the Grand Mosque, since entry is managed through the platform. Elderly pilgrims and their companions should ask about the designated prayer areas set aside for them. Above all, pilgrims are reminded to travel light, avoid prohibited items, and follow the directions of stewards and staff, who are there to keep the crowds moving safely.