Developments that pilgrims need to know about

In a bold move to elevate the spiritual and logistical experience of millions of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia is rolling out a series of improvements at the Two Holy Mosques that reflect a seamless integration of technology, hospitality, and spiritual inclusivity.

With the Umrah season in full swing, pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah are being welcomed with a carefully coordinated network of services that prioritise ease of access, historical immersion, and global outreach, ensuring the journey of a lifetime is both spiritually enriching and effortlessly organised.

Read-Umrah 2025: New digital platform launched for visas

Integrated system built for millions

At the heart of this transformation is a fully integrated system of facilities and services aimed at managing the steady influx of pilgrims, many of whom have already begun arriving in significant numbers. In Madinah, the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport has been receiving thousands of Umrah performers daily, with support teams facilitating transportation, guidance, and catering services designed to create a smooth arrival experience, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

From the moment pilgrims touch down, their journey is carefully supported by a network of authorities. “A full range of services ensures a spiritually fulfilling and logistically smooth journey for every visitor,” said an official from the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, which oversees operations at both holy sites.

That experience continues at the Prophet’s Mosque, where pilgrims from various countries are welcomed with multilingual guidance and logistical support in the courtyards and prayer areas. As part of the Kingdom’s broader effort to highlight Islamic heritage, visitors are also encouraged to explore Madinah’s revered historical sites, many of which date back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Smooth access at the Grand Mosque: Gates, bridges, and mobility

Meanwhile, in Makkah, the Grand Mosque, home to the Kaaba, has introduced enhanced access points designed to streamline the pilgrim flow and prevent overcrowding during peak times. Five primary gates, each topped with iconic minarets, serve as the main arteries into the mosque: King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, King Abdullah Gate, Umrah Gate, and Al-Fath Gate.

Among these, the King Fahd Gate, King Abdulaziz Gate, and the Al-Salam Basement provide direct entry to the Mataf area, where pilgrims perform the sacred act of Tawaf. For those accessing the site from the upper floors, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques recommends dedicated bridges including Al-Shubaika, Ajyad, and Al-Arqam, all engineered to handle large volumes of foot traffic efficiently.

When exiting from the Masa’a area, the corridor between the hills of Safa and Marwah, worshippers can rely on designated exits such as the Al-Safa Gate, Al-Marwah Gate, Al-Nabi Gate, and specialised facilities like the Al-Marwah Wheelchair Bridge.

“These infrastructure upgrades are critical,” the authority noted. “They not only help pilgrims reach their destinations within the mosque with ease but also play a vital role in minimizing congestion and ensuring the safety of all visitors.”

Reaching the world: Sermons now in 15 languages

In a parallel effort to make the spiritual message of the Two Holy Mosques more accessible to the global Muslim community, the Presidency of Religious Affairs has launched an ambitious translation initiative. As of August 1, 2025, Friday sermons from both the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque are being translated into 15 international languages, streamed live through the presidency’s official YouTube channel.

This milestone marks the first phase of a wider plan to eventually reach 30 languages, enabling millions of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims to connect with the sermons’ powerful messages of faith, compassion, and moderation.

“The goal is to reinforce moderate Islamic values and harness modern technology to expand our reach,” said Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. “By offering translations, we are opening doors for Muslims around the world to engage more deeply with the teachings delivered from these sacred sites.”

Unified vision for modern pilgrimage

The combined efforts, from infrastructure improvements and hospitality services to digital spiritual outreach, reflect a unified national vision: to make pilgrimage more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all. Whether it’s a pilgrim navigating the historic corridors of Madinah, entering the Mataf through a minaret-topped gate in Makkah, or listening to a Friday sermon from thousands of miles away in their native tongue, the kingdom’s approach is centered on both reverence and innovation.

With year-round preparations and collaboration among multiple authorities, Saudi Arabia is redefining what it means to serve pilgrims, not just as visitors, but as honored guests undertaking a sacred journey.