The General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abd al-Rahman al-Sudais, personally supervised the implementation of the plan for managing the crowds and catering to the visitors inside the Grand Mosque in coordination with the security system.

The plan ensured the smooth flow of crowds and the availability of standard services for the visitors through the operations room that was established with the membership of the field leaders of the presidency. The operation room followed up on reports of field services and the provision of all capabilities so that the pilgrims perform their rituals with ease. Also, a series of virtual meetings were held with the leaders of the Prophet’s Mosque to ensure the progress of the drawn plans.

Harmony with the security system

Official reports estimated that nearly 3 million people performed prayers on the night of the 27th at the Grand Mosque, where pilgrims, worshipers, and visitors flocked to the Grand Mosque, its courtyards, nearby neighborhoods, and hotels.

No bottlenecks at Grand Mosque

The General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Al-Sudais, said, “Praise be to God, the plans for the night of the 27th passed, according to the goals set for it, by providing the utmost comfort and reassurance for pilgrims, by concerted efforts with success partners, in harmony with the security system. It ensured comfort and reassurance of all worshippers who go to the Grand Mosque.”  The General President continued, “Despite the millions in numbers, maximizing coordination with the security system led to the absence of bottlenecks, thank Allah.”

Emergency teams for cleaning around the clock

General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Al-Sudais confirmed that the work of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization has been doubled, and cleaners have been increased around the clock to meet the increasing numbers of pilgrims. All units have been mobilized at full capacity to perform their tasks and implement plans. 

Applying governance standards

The plan for the 27th night centered on maximizing cooperation and coordination between the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques, the Haram Security Force and crowd management. They combined their efforts to organize the entry and exit process to and from the Grand Mosque, preventing sitting in the corridors leading to it, and preventing entry to the Grand Mosque when leaving Tarawih prayer for a short period until Worshipers exit, to avoid any congestion that may occur at the doors.  The pillars of the plan were also based on applying the highest standards of quality, excellence and proficiency, supported by a human cadre of approximately 12,000 qualified employees and workers.

Saudi expansion eased congestion

The readiness of the third Saudi expansion of the Grand Mosque contributed to receiving millions of worshipers through a system of field, engineering and technical services. Also, through the implementation of works according to operational plans and human cadres of engineers, technicians, observers and workers, working around the clock for the comfort and safety of those who visit the Grand Mosque.  Moreover, the plans included intensifying cleaning and perfuming operations around the clock and ensuring the operation of the blessed Zamzam water drinkers, securing the containers, and preparing the doors.

Prophet’s Mosque… Streamlining and Integration

On the other hand, the Prophet’s Mosque witnessed a million-strong number of worshipers on the night of the 27th. While unofficial reports estimated that more than a million and a half worshipers were at the Prophet’s Mosque. Adviser and Deputy General President for Executive and Field Affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque, Abdulaziz Bin Ali Al–Ayoubi, confirmed that the service and field agencies have prepared the Prophet’s Mosque at its full capacity and provided all services for visitors and worshipers with the highest quality. The Agency organized the crowds for large numbers and integrated with the relevant authorities to ensure ease of movement and smooth entry and exit of worshipers.  The 38 main corridors have been opened, the four secondary corridors are 14, and 8 emergency corridors, so the total number of corridors is 60.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP