Saudi authorities have issued new guidance for Umrah pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque, urging them to plan their rituals around crowd levels.
The guidance aims to ease congestion and make movement easier for pilgrims performing Tawaf and Sa’i.
Best Times to Visit the Grand Mosque
Authorities said crowd levels at the Grand Mosque change throughout the day. Therefore, pilgrims have been encouraged to plan their visits before heading to the mosque.
The Grand Mosque generally sees lighter crowds between 10pm and 4am. Another relatively less crowded period runs from 9am to 4pm.
Meanwhile, crowd levels remain moderate between 5am and 8am. However, pilgrims can expect the highest congestion between 5pm and 9pm.
Choosing quieter periods could help pilgrims move more easily through the Mataf and Mas’a areas. It may also allow them to perform their rituals with greater comfort.
Pilgrims Encouraged to Plan Ahead
Authorities have urged Umrah pilgrims to use available digital services when planning their visits. These services include live crowd updates at the Grand Mosque.
By checking crowd conditions in advance, pilgrims can select a suitable time for Tawaf and Sa’i. Moreover, advance planning can help reduce unnecessary congestion during busy periods.
The guidance comes as the number of Umrah pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia continues to increase.
Umrah Numbers Continue to Grow
According to the available figures, around 920,500 Umrah pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia during the first month and a half of the current Umrah season.
Figures released last month also showed a 22.5% increase in the number of pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.
With visitor numbers continuing to rise, authorities have highlighted the importance of planning ahead. Consequently, selecting less crowded hours could help pilgrims navigate the Grand Mosque more smoothly.
For those preparing to perform Tawaf or Sa’i, avoiding the busiest evening period may therefore provide a more comfortable experience.
