Saudi: Hajj Ministry Urges Pilgrims’ to Avoid Rush Hours for Umrah
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised pilgrims intending to perform Umrah during the last ten days of Ramadan to avoid peak hours in order to ease congestion and ensure smoother movement within the Grand Mosque.
In a statement, the ministry identified nine hours daily that typically experience heavy crowd movement at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, where millions of Muslims gather to perform Umrah and observe prayers during the holy month.
According to the ministry, the period between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., as well as 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., records the highest influx of pilgrims and worshippers. The advisory was based on crowd and traffic indicators monitored during the first two weeks of Ramadan.
Authorities noted that 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. generally experiences moderate traffic, while the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. witness lighter movement, making them more suitable for pilgrims seeking to perform Umrah with fewer crowds.
READ ALSO: https://hajjgazette.com/ramadan-97-million-worshippers-visit-saudi-holy-mosques/
The ministry emphasized that the guidance is part of broader efforts to improve crowd flow and enhance the overall experience of worshippers visiting the Grand Mosque, particularly as the final days of Ramadan traditionally attract a significant surge in visitors.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified preparations to manage the anticipated rise in pilgrims and worshippers. Officials said security forces have strengthened operational readiness and are implementing comprehensive measures to maintain safety and order within the central Haram area.
These measures include advanced crowd management strategies, enhanced traffic control systems, expanded humanitarian services, and the deployment of security technologies and artificial intelligence to monitor and regulate movement.
Authorities are also working to streamline access routes to the Grand Mosque and reduce congestion involving buses designated to transport pilgrims to and from the central area surrounding the Haram.
The Saudi government has repeatedly urged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines to ensure a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling experience during the concluding days of Ramadan.
