The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of Two Holy Mosques has said that it is fully prepared with all facilities to welcome pilgrims. The authority reiterated the readiness of all facilities and services, which function at the highest level and enjoy advanced infrastructure. The announced facilities include cooling and air conditioning systems, fans, audio and visual systems, as well as the door systems of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. Escalators and elevators, means of transportation within the Two Holy Mosques, and special pathways for pilgrims are also prepared. The area around the Grand Mosque has been arranged to facilitate the move of electric vehicles for Tawaf and Sa’i, and bathrooms and ablution areas have been prepared for the elderly and people with disabilities. The Department of Services and Systems at the Two Holy Mosques operates round the clock to ensure a spiritual environment for pilgrims, so that they may perform their rituals with ease, and to maintain a steady supply of Zamzam water to the two holy mosques.

To enrich the experience of the pilgrims, exhibitions, including virtual, introduce them to the landmarks of the two holy mosques, offering educational content to deepen religious understanding and enhance the spiritual and emotional connection to the two holy mosques. The authority has mobilized 5,138 workers to ensure the daily cleaning and disinfection of the Grand Mosque, under the supervision of 400 employees operating 24 hours a day. This is carried out with the help of 4,000 pieces of modern equipment and machinery. Moreover, 68 screens have been prepared providing guidance in 53 languages, while lessons and sermons are translated in 10 languages. The authority has also prepared 140 doors to facilitate entry and exit at the Grand Mosque during the Hajj season, and operates 251 golf carts, all part of the operational plan for Hajj season 1445 AH. Some 10,000 manual carts are available at 20 sites throughout the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. The authority has also prepared 20,000 Zamzam containers, as well as 3,442 bathrooms which are cleaned and sterilized daily.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan