Makkah – Due to the increasing number of pilgrims at the start of the Umrah season in Saudi Arabia, crowd management at Masjid Al Haram has become a top priority. Saudi authorities have instructed pilgrims to arrange their times in advance for Tawaf, Sa’i and other acts of worship.
According to authorities, the rush of pilgrims at Masjid Al Haram is not uniform at different parts of the day. Therefore, choosing the right time can make transportation to the Haram relatively easy.
According to the available guidance, the rush is relatively low from 10 pm to 4 am and from 9 am to 4 pm. The situation remains moderate from 5 am to 8 am.
On the contrary, the rush increases due to the high number of pilgrims from 5 pm to 9 pm. However, pilgrims should prioritize the latest administrative instructions and the current situation of the Haram during their journey.
Saudi authorities are also focusing on digital services to facilitate pilgrims. The interactive map service introduced for the Two Holy Mosques provides pilgrims with information on routes to reach various places and facilities. This service is available in multiple languages ​​and helps facilitate movement within the Haram.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Khidmat Dhiuf al-Rahman Program, the number of people arriving on Umrah visas in the initial phase of the new Umrah season reached 931,500. This number is 22.5 percent more than the same period last year.
The total number of Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from abroad during the same period exceeded 1.27 million. According to official figures, 75 percent of pilgrims arrived by air, while 25 percent entered the kingdom by land or sea.
Pakistan topped the list. According to Saudi officials, about 200,000 Pakistani Umrah pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia during this period. Indonesia came in second with 170,000 pilgrims, and Iraq came in third with 130,000.
Saudi Arabia is also increasing the use of digital systems in Umrah arrangements. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has continued the system of various services and permits through the Nasik app for the Umrah season of 1448 AH. The schedule for the new season also emphasizes electronic services and practical arrangements.
In this context, it is not enough for pilgrims to simply know the peak hours. A more effective strategy can be to coordinate worship, accommodation, transportation and available digital services before travelling.
Especially given the large number of Pakistani pilgrims, advance planning is of practical importance. Choosing off-peak times can reduce unnecessary pressure at the shrine and allow pilgrims to focus more on their worship.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, digital and practical services are being continuously improved in the Umrah system. The aim is to provide a more organised and convenient experience for pilgrims, from planning the journey to returning home.
Thus, the best strategy for Umrah pilgrims is to schedule their rituals before arriving at the shrine, check the latest rush situation, and follow the ongoing instructions of the administration. In an environment of increasing global demand, this approach can prove to be more effective for both pilgrims and administrative institutions.
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