Saudi: New Umrah Guidelines for Last 10 Days of Ramadan Announced
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced new guidelines for pilgrims for the duration of the last 10 days of Ramadan. The new Umrah guidelines were issued to enhance the safety and security of worshippers. The significant increase in the number of visitors during the Ramadan period has led to the need for the implementation of traffic measures.
Pilgrims can access the Grand Mosque using public busses from the King Abdulaziz International Airport or from the car parking. Taxis are available to transport pilgrims to the nearest accessible location of the Grand Mosque, also available from Haramain station from KAIA to Al-Raseefa station in Makkah.
Pilgrims can also travel to the Grand Mosque by private cars driven by non-Umrah pilgrims, to the nearest location to the mosque. Non-Umrah pilgrims are only allowed to stop at the car parking located at entrances, pilgrims then have to continue using the public transportation available.
Vehicles, including motorbikes and bicycles, are prohibited in the central area at all times, in order to facilitate pilgrim access to the location. Within the area of the Grand Mosque, pilgrims are strictly required to follow the instructions of the appointed security personnel and adhere to the instructions on the sign boards.
Boards on the main doors of the Grand Mosque will indicate to pilgrims if there are spaces available to pray or not. The ground floor has been designated for pilgrims with disabilities, allowing the use of electric motor equipment on that floor.
Pilgrims are not allowed to carry personal belongings to the Grand Mosque and leave any items on the premises or outside in the courtyard.
Collecting donations is strictly forbidden in the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims are also not allowed to smoke, beg or engage in any commercial transactions.
Pilgrims are not allowed to use sockets within the central areas to avoid short circuits.
With Ramadan set to come to an end in 10 days and Eid Al-Fitr predicted to fall on April 21, the Grand Mosque has seen a vast influx of visitors.
