Umrah pilgrims urged to plan ahead to avoid peak time rush

According to the Saudi Gazette, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has issued a formal advisory urging Umrah pilgrims to plan their visits strategically to avoid peak congestion. The authority aims to facilitate smoother movement for worshippers within the Mataf, the area surrounding the Holy Kaaba, and the Masaa, the path between Safa and Marwa.

Data provided by the authority identifies specific time windows for optimal attendance. Crowd density is reported to be at its lowest between 10 pm and 4 am, as well as from 9 am to 4 pm. Moderate traffic is expected during the early morning hours of 5 am to 8 am, while the period between 5 pm and 9 pm is classified as high-density. By adhering to these suggested timeframes, the authority states that pilgrims can perform their rituals with greater ease and comfort.

To support these efforts, the authority is encouraging pilgrims to utilize available digital services and real-time crowd-density indicators. These tools are designed to help visitors make informed decisions about when to enter the Grand Mosque. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Saudi authorities to manage the high volume of visitors to Makkah and ensure the safety and accessibility of the holy sites for all pilgrims.