More than 19 million people have visited Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah over the past two years, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced this week. He shared the figure at the opening of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, pointing to the steadily rising number of pilgrims benefiting from the Kingdom's expanded arrangements for religious visits.
Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, the area between the Prophet's pulpit and his chamber inside Masjid an-Nabawi, is one of the most sought-after sites for visitors to Madinah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described it as a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and pilgrims travel from across the world hoping to pray there.
A booking system built for scale
Managing 19 million visitors to a small, sacred space is a significant undertaking. In recent years Saudi authorities have required visits to Al-Rawdah to be booked through the Nusuk app, which issues timed permits to control the flow of people and reduce crowding. The permit system spreads visits across the day and night and gives priority pathways to the elderly and people with disabilities.
The two-year total reflects how far the managed-access model has come. Rather than limiting how many people can experience the Rawdah, the timed-entry approach has allowed the authorities to admit very large numbers while keeping the area orderly and safe.
Technology takes centre stage
The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, a three-day event, brought together officials, experts, researchers and stakeholders to discuss ways of improving the experience of Umrah performers and visitors to the holy sites. According to organisers, the programme featured dialogue sessions, specialised workshops, an artificial intelligence competition focused on Umrah services, and a hackathon dedicated to the historical sites associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The emphasis on artificial intelligence and innovation reflects a broader Saudi strategy to use modern technology to manage the growing number of visitors. Smart crowd management, digital permits and real-time density monitoring have become central tools in handling millions of pilgrims across Makkah and Madinah.
Officials say the goal is not only to move people efficiently but to enrich their spiritual experience, giving each visitor a calmer, more meaningful time at the holy sites. Continued investment in infrastructure, technology and visitor services was described as essential to keeping pace with demand.
Practical tips for visiting the Rawdah
Pilgrims hoping to pray in Al-Rawdah should book a permit through the Nusuk app well before travelling, as slots fill quickly during busy periods. Each pilgrim is generally allowed one Rawdah booking per visit, so it is worth planning the timing carefully.
Arriving at the assigned time, carrying the digital permit and following the guidance of staff will make the visit smoother. Women and men are admitted at separate times, so pilgrims should check their designated hours in advance. Above all, visitors are reminded to be patient and considerate of others, keeping their supplications brief so that as many people as possible can share in the blessing of praying in this cherished place.