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A new toll-free cloud call service (8001111935) has been launched by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, offering guidance to Umrah pilgrims in Madinah. This initiative, part of a broader effort to enhance the pilgrimage experience, includes 30 direct phone guidance points throughout the mosque. These stations provide on-the-spot support, ensuring pilgrims receive accurate religious guidance consistent with authentic Islamic teachings.
This service is a major step in fostering intellectual security and a deeper understanding of Islam among pilgrims. The presidency's inquiries department, which handles questions on Umrah and visitation rituals, promotes core values of tolerance, moderation, and peaceful coexistence. These efforts not only assist individual pilgrims but also contribute to the global dissemination of the Prophet’s Mosque’s message.
Upcoming Innovations for Hajj and Umrah
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is continually innovating to improve the pilgrim experience. A key focus is on leveraging technology and infrastructure to manage the massive influx of visitors and enhance their spiritual journey. One of the most significant upcoming developments is the introduction of a new digital-first pilgrimage experience. This includes the potential for blockchain-based pilgrim identification to streamline entry and security checks, as well as the use of AI-powered chatbots that can provide real-time, multilingual guidance on religious rituals and logistics. The new "Nusuk" platform is a step in this direction, offering a unified digital gateway for pilgrims to book services, apply for visas, and plan their entire journey.
In addition, there are plans to expand the transportation network with advanced systems. The Makkah Metro, which already serves pilgrims during Hajj, is being considered for further expansion to cover more key areas. Electric buses and autonomous shuttles are also being trialed to reduce congestion and environmental impact. The High-Speed Haramain Railway connecting Makkah and Madinah is a prime example of the country's commitment to modernizing travel for pilgrims.
The Kingdom is also investing in smart services within the holy sites themselves. This includes smart wristbands for pilgrims that provide personal information, health data, and emergency contact details. These wristbands could also be used for contactless payments and access to certain services. The use of augmented reality (AR) apps is also being explored to help pilgrims navigate the mosques and learn about historical and religious landmarks.
Massive Turnout in Muharram Highlights Global Devotion
These technological and logistical upgrades come at a time when the Two Holy Mosques are seeing an unprecedented number of visitors. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques reported over 60 million visitors flocked to Makkah and Madinah during Muharram 1447 AH. The Grand Mosque in Makkah welcomed over 27.5 million worshipers, with 7,857,270 performing Umrah. The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah hosted over 21.5 million worshipers, including 1,122,368 who prayed at Al Rawdah Al Sharifah. This massive turnout underscores the immense global devotion to the holy sites and highlights the critical need for continued service enhancements. The authority remains committed to providing high-quality services in line with the country's leadership, ensuring all pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and spiritual peace.
