A comprehensive electronic service for pilgrims
In a move aimed at enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and facilitating their spiritual journey, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has launched an innovative electronic service that allows pilgrims to book manual carts for circumambulation (Tawaf) with a payment system, delivering them directly to their accommodations in hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This high-quality service eliminates the hassle of searching and waiting, providing a comfortable and safe experience, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The new system relies on a digital “transportation platform,” which operates using advanced technology. As soon as the pilgrim submits their request electronically from their place of residence, the system automatically assigns the task to one of the approved and qualified cart drivers, who immediately goes to the pilgrim’s place of residence to receive them and accompany them on their journey to perform the rituals, thus saving time and effort and giving the pilgrims complete peace of mind from the moment they leave until they complete their rituals.
Historical context and development of services in the Two Holy Mosques
This initiative is part of a long series of development efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to care for the Two Holy Mosques and serve their visitors. Throughout history, serving pilgrims and Umrah performers has been a great honor and responsibility. With the enormous increase in the number of visitors, the need for innovative crowd management solutions and providing comfort has become paramount. The Grand Mosque has witnessed massive historical expansions, most notably the Mataf expansion project, aimed at accommodating millions and ensuring smooth movement. Today, digital transformation is a natural extension of these efforts, harnessing the latest technologies to provide smart services befitting the sanctity of the place and meeting the diverse needs of visitors.
Significance and impact: Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The “Tawaf Carts” service holds strategic importance that extends beyond mere convenience. Locally, it directly addresses the needs of the most vulnerable groups, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and comfort, thus enriching their spiritual experience. Regionally and internationally, this service reflects the Kingdom’s civilized image and its unwavering commitment to providing the highest levels of care for pilgrims, reinforcing its position as a leader in the Islamic world. This initiative is fully aligned with the objectives of the “Guests of God Service Program,” one of the key programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enrich and deepen the Hajj and Umrah experience, making it an unforgettable spiritual journey.
Flexible options and multiple benefits for pilgrims
The platform offers flexible options to suit the diverse needs of pilgrims. Users can choose to perform Tawaf only or complete a full Umrah, including Tawaf and Sa'i. The platform also allows for precise route planning, enabling pilgrims to select a one-way route from their hotel to the end of the rituals or opt for a full hotel-to-hotel escort service to ensure their safe return home after completing the pilgrimage. Furthermore, the platform provides features for setting dates and completing electronic payments in a few simple steps, reflecting the high level of care and digital transformation underway in the Kingdom's Hajj and Umrah services sector.
