Saudi Arabia has introduced digital services that let Umrah pilgrims check crowd levels in real time at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The tools are designed to help worshippers pick less crowded times for their rituals.
Live crowd indicators for Tawaf and Sa’i areas
The services offer live displays, instant updates and crowd indicators for the Tawaf area around the Holy Kaaba. They also cover the Sa’i walkway between Safa and Marwa, so pilgrims can judge how busy these spots are before they leave for the mosque.
Interactive map covers both holy mosques
An interactive map for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque lets visitors find landmarks, locate facilities and identify suitable routes. The platform includes approximately 950 points of interest, such as the Holy Kaaba, Maqam Ibrahim, Safa and Marwa at the Grand Mosque. At the Prophet’s Mosque, it highlights sites including Al Rawdah Al Sharifah, the Prophet’s Chamber, prayer niches and the Prophet’s pulpit.
Users can choose from more than 100,000 possible routes across over 17 categories. More than 650 QR codes give quick access to information on landmarks, facilities and services, while more than six on-site digital display screens show locations and routes inside the mosques.
Accessibility features and crowd management goals
The system identifies accessible landmarks and suitable routes for people with disabilities, alongside tools intended to support inclusive access. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve the experience of pilgrims through digital technology, manage crowds and ease movement within Islam’s two holiest mosques.
