As the Umrah season for the year 1447 AH commences, Saudi Arabian authorities have launched various initiatives aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage experience in Makkah and Madinah. By integrating digital technology, heightened safety protocols, and infrastructure improvements, these measures reflect the nation’s commitment to ensuring a secure, comfortable, and spiritually rewarding journey for pilgrims.
Launch of the ‘Rushd’ App
In Madinah, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has initiated a campaign to promote the newly released “Rushd” app, coinciding with the onset of Umrah.
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This application provides a range of digital services for pilgrims, including access to an electronic Quran, prayer timings based on Umm Al-Qura, guidance for Qibla direction, and a multilingual 3D virtual reality tool for Hajj and Umrah education. Additionally, it hosts an Islamic e-library and connects users to the Sahih Al Istishhad website.
The campaign is being conducted in prominent locations throughout Madinah, especially at historical mosques and areas adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque, to help visitors make the most of the app for enhancing their spiritual experience, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
Smart Bracelets for Enhanced Safety
In another initiative, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has introduced smart safety bracelets intended for vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and visually impaired pilgrims. These bracelets maintain emergency contact details, enabling rapid assistance when required and providing peace of mind during worship.
This program complements ongoing initiatives to offer 24/7 comprehensive services, aligning with directives from Saudi leadership to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors at the Grand Mosque.
Infrastructure Developments in Madinah
The Al Madinah Region Development Authority has rolled out 16 projects in 2024 as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, focusing on infrastructure improvement, training, crowd management, and the application of AI technologies. These efforts aim to streamline the pilgrimage process and enhance offerings at the Prophet’s Mosque and surrounding historical sites.
The program features 89 initiatives across 23 governmental organizations, addressing sectors such as security, transportation, healthcare, tourism, and emergency services, demonstrating solid progress with a completion rate of 95%.
Ministry of Tourism Takes Action Against Non-Compliant Facilities
To uphold high standards, the Ministry of Tourism conducted inspections in Makkah, resulting in the closure of 25 hospitality establishments in July 2025 due to infractions, such as operating without proper licenses, inadequate maintenance, and safety issues. This enforcement is part of a broader strategy to guarantee that all tourism services adhere to regulations and meet pilgrim expectations.
The ministry’s ongoing initiative, ‘Our Guests Come First,’ encourages visitors to share feedback through the Unified Tourism Center (930), aimed at improving service quality and enhancing visitor satisfaction.
Support Services for Pilgrims in Madinah
In Madinah, two service centers located within the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque catered to nearly 188,000 visitors in 2024. These centers provide multilingual guidance, mobility aids, informational resources, and wristbands for children and elderly attendees, assisting pilgrims in navigating the mosque and accessing necessary support, thereby contributing to a more comfortable and tranquil worship environment.
These initiatives are part of the General Authority’s broader goal to enhance both environmental and human aspects of service within the mosque.
Through a combination of digital advancements, safety improvements, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructure enhancements, Saudi Arabia continues to uplift the pilgrimage experience during Umrah. These initiatives showcase the Kingdom’s dedication to serving millions of worshippers with care, efficiency, and hospitality in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.