Saudi Arabia, responding to rising Umrah 2025 pilgrim numbers, improved mosque access and began translating Friday sermons into 15 languages/Representative Image
As the Umrah season progresses, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a growing influx of pilgrims into Madinah and Makkah. In response, authorities have deployed extensive logistical, spiritual, and technological support to ensure a smooth, safe, and meaningful pilgrimage. From upgraded airport services and historical site visits to advanced gate management and multilingual religious outreach, every element has been meticulously coordinated.
Streamlined arrivals and services in Madinah
Madinah continues to receive a steady flow of Umrah pilgrims, with Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport experiencing a notable increase in arrivals. Airport staff and support teams are actively engaged in providing a seamless reception experience. This includes:
- Efficient transportation arrangements
- Clear directional guidance across terminals
- On-site catering services to accommodate arriving pilgrims
Once in Madinah, pilgrims head to the Prophet’s Mosque, where services are jointly managed by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, alongside other involved agencies. These services cover both the interior of the mosque and its courtyards, ensuring comfort and accessibility for worshippers of all backgrounds.In addition to worship, visitors are also taken to key Islamic historical landmarks, enriching their spiritual journey with a sense of history and context from the life of Prophet Muhammad.A crucial stop before heading to Makkah is the Miqat Dhu Al-Hulayfah, under the administration of the Al Madinah Region Development Authority. This site remains active year-round and currently sees large numbers of both domestic and international pilgrims. Full deployment of resources has been made here to support pilgrims preparing for Umrah.Madinah’s historic mosques also remain major spiritual and cultural attractions, drawing thousands for prayer and reflection. These sites are fully supported with logistical and religious services to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience.
Structured entry and exit systems at the Grand Mosque in Makkah
In Makkah, the Grand Mosque operates a meticulously designed gate system to facilitate smooth entry and exit, especially during peak times. There are five key gates, each easily identifiable by the minarets above:
- King Abdulaziz Gate
- King Fahd Gate
- King Abdullah Gate
- Umrah Gate
- Al-Fath Gate
Access to the Mataf area—the open space surrounding the Kaaba—is made convenient through King Fahd Gate, King Abdulaziz Gate, and the Al-Salam Basement. For those entering from the first floor, a network of bridges has been designated:
- Al-Shubaika Bridge
- Ajyad Bridge
- Al-Arqam Bridge
To ensure smooth exits from the Masa’a area, which is where pilgrims perform the Sa’i (ritual walking between Safa and Marwah), the following gates and routes are available:
- Al-Safa Gate
- Al-Nabi Gate
- Al-Marwah Gate
- Al-Marwah Bridge
- Al-Marwah Wheelchair Bridge
These pathways and infrastructure play a central role in preventing congestion, ensuring safety, and enabling efficient navigation through the mosque. The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques manages these systems to support ritual performance without delays or overcrowding.
Expanding access through multilingual sermons
To further enhance the spiritual accessibility of the pilgrimage, the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a new initiative to translate Friday sermons into 15 international languages. These translated sermons are available via the presidency’s official YouTube channel.This is the first phase of a broader plan aiming to expand to 30 languages, ensuring the religious messages reach Muslims from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds worldwide.The initiative is a part of the presidency’s operational strategy for the current Umrah season, and it is being supervised directly by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.Through this effort, the presidency aims to:
- Promote moderate Islamic values
- Deliver authentic religious guidance
- Harness modern technology to enrich the visitor experience
Unified vision for pilgrim care and service excellence
The smooth execution of services this Umrah season reflects a well-coordinated effort among various Saudi authorities to elevate the pilgrimage experience on multiple fronts. From transportation logistics and crowd management to spiritual services and technological outreach, every detail is being addressed.With an emphasis on accessibility, safety, and spiritual depth, Saudi Arabia continues to reinforce its role as a meticulous host of one of Islam’s most sacred journeys—ensuring that pilgrims from around the world can fulfill their rites with peace, clarity, and dignity. Go to Source
