Saudi Arabia has decided to divide the Grand Mosque into zones for the convenience of pilgrims and visitors.
The Grand Mosque, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is the most sacred site in Islam and the largest mosque in the world. It encloses the Kaaba, the cubic structure that Muslims face during prayers, and other important sites such as the Black Stone, the Zamzam Well, Maqam Ibrahim, and the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world visit the Grand Mosque to perform the Hajj, the obligatory pilgrimage, or the Umrah, the voluntary pilgrimage. According to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq al-Rabiah, last year 135 million people performed Umrah.
To facilitate the movement and navigation of the pilgrims and visitors, as well as the workers and staff, the Saudi government has signed an agreement with the Saudi Postal and Logistics Company to divide the Grand Mosque into coded zones. The agreement was signed by the General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques, the agency in charge of the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
The main purpose of this agreement is to divide the area of the Grand Mosque and its surroundings into coded zones that can help identify specific locations and give clear directions. The zones will also help organize and evaluate the performance of the staff who provide various services to the pilgrims and visitors.
The agreement is part of a larger project to enhance the image and facilities of the Grand Mosque and to make it more accessible and comfortable for the worshippers. The Saudi government has also introduced other measures to make the pilgrimage easier and more convenient for the visitors. These include:
– Allowing visa holders to enter the country through all outlets, including land, air, and sea.
– Allowing Saudi citizens to invite their friends from abroad to visit and perform Umrah.
– Removing the requirement of a male guardian for female visitors.
– Allowing individuals living in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to apply for a tourist visa, regardless of their profession, to perform Umrah.
The Grand Mosque is a symbol of the unity and diversity of the Muslim community, and the Saudi government is committed to preserving its sanctity and dignity. By dividing the Grand Mosque into zones, the government hopes to improve the experience and satisfaction of the pilgrims and visitors, and to ensure their safety and security.