Pilgrims Perform Farewell Tawaf in Makkah as Early Departure Phase Commences
By Khadija Muhammad Zakari
Pilgrims on early departure schedules on Friday performed Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, marking the final obligatory rite of Hajj as the phased post-Hajj departure plan officially commenced.
The ritual, conducted after the completion of stoning at Mina, saw groups of pilgrims moving into the Grand Mosque in organized batches to complete their final circumambulation before exiting the holy city for onward travel to Madinah or return to their home countries.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque activated its operational framework to manage the increased flow of departing pilgrims.
The plan focused on maintaining service continuity, crowd regulation, and ensuring a safe and orderly movement within the Mataf and surrounding facilities.
Field teams deployed across key entry points, corridors, and courtyards directed pilgrims through designated Tawaf routes and provided on-ground assistance.
Support services, including hydration stations and mobility carts for all pilgrims and persons with disabilities, received reinforcement to sustain operational efficiency during peak movement periods.
Authorities also underscored ongoing coordination efforts to facilitate pilgrims’ transition to Madinah, where officials have fully prepared the Prophet’s Mosque to accommodate large influxes under an expanded operational readiness plan.
The structured departure phase forms part of a broader Hajj management strategy aimed at ensuring smooth circulation, enforcing safety compliance, and sustaining an uninterrupted worship experience as the pilgrimage season moves toward conclusion.
