Makkah is the holiest city for Muslims. It embraces Masjid Al Haram (the GreatMosque) and Kaaba, the qiblah for Muslims to which they turn in their prayers. Muslims yearn to visit Makkah to perform Hajj or Umrah. In this city, Prophet Muhammad, the most honorable of creation, the seal of the prophets and messengers, our master Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born, and from it, the tolerant message of Islam was launched to all corners of the world after the Holy Quran was revealed.

Makkah is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia. During the reign of the kings of Saudi Arabia, it received great interest. Makkah still enjoys great attentionto provide the best services to pilgrims. Its most prominent landmark, Masjid Al Haram, witnessed many expansions that included all parts of the mosque, and the holy sites received a series of development works to provide all means of comfort and reassurance for all pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom.

Makkah

Holy site

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Allah singled out Makkah and honored it over all parts of the world. One of the greatest signs is that it is His sanctuary.

**What is the meaning of “Haram” (Sanctuary)?**

- It is a place in which certain things, allowed elsewhere, are prohibited out of veneration and reverence for the One Who prohibited it. Allah the Exalted said: "And who observes the sanctity of the sites ordained by Allah, it will be good for him in the sight of his Lord.”
- Allah has chosen this land and made it sacred, forbidding in it what He permitted in other places, and singling it out with virtues and merits that are not found in any other place. Its sanctity and stature date back to the very first beginning of the entire universe.
- Allah has made this land into a Sanctity and assigned to it a very special rank on the day this universe was created. It will remain so until the end of time. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "Allah has made this town a sanctuary from the day He created the heavens and the earth. So, it is a sanctuary by Allah's decree till the Day of Resurrection.”

**What does the Sanctity mean to me?**

- You are now in a place that Allah singled out, honored and sacralized before He even created humans. He ordered Abrahim, peace be upon him, to raise the foundations and build the House (Ka'bah) before even a single soul lived in Makkah, and chose it to be the qiblah and guidance for the whole world. Allah the Exalted said: "The first  House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah): a blessed place, a guidance for all worlds (of people and jinn)".
- You are in a place where the reward for a good deed is multiplied, and where a sin is not like a sin in any other place.
- Allah commanded His noblest humans, Abrahim and Ismail, peace be upon them, and then Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), to purify, build and take care of the Ka'bah.

**Makkah is the Qiblah of the Muslims**

Honorable Makkah is the best place on earth and the most beloved place to Allah and His Messenger.

- Allah chose it for the rituals of Hajj and made visiting it an act of worship by which ranks are raised and bad deeds are erased. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “By Allah, you are the best part of Allah’s earth and the part dearest to Him.” 
- It is the place where the first House on earth for the worship of Allah alone was established. Allah the Exalted said: "The first House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah): a blessed place, a guidance for all worlds (of people and jinn)."
- Makkah attained that privilege and position in the first moments of creating the universe. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: “Allah made this town sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth, so it is sacred by the sanctity conferred on it by Allah till the day of resurrection.” 
- Muslims from all parts of the world turn toward it five times a day in worship to their Lord, to strengthen their unity and brotherhood. Allah the Exalted said: "We have seen you (O Muhammad), turning your face over and over again towards Heaven. Now, therefore, We turn you towards the qiblah that you like best: so turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. Henceforth, wheresoever you may be, turn your face at prayer towards it.” 
- For Muslims, Makkah is a qiblah, guidance, blessing and grace around which their lives revolve. It is necessary that we thank Allah for this great blessing. Allah the Exalted said: "Allah has appointed the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, as a means for support for mankind, and the Sacred Month, the offerings and the garlands. That is so that you may know that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth, and that Allah is Knower of all things.” 

It is the sanctuary of Allah, Who honored it and singled it out with the greatest characteristics.



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Makkah is the Sanctuary of Allah 

**Honorable Makkah is the best place on earth and the most beloved place to Allah and His Messenger.**
- Allah chose it for the rituals of Hajj and made visiting it an act of worship by which ranks are raised and bad deeds are erased. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "By Allah, you are the best part of Allah’s earth and the part dearest to Him".
- It is the place where the first House on earth for the worship of Allah alone was established. Allah the Exalted said: {The first House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah): a blessed place, guidance for all worlds (of people and jinn)}.
- Makkah attained that privilege and position in the first moments of creating the universe. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said: "Allah made this town sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth, so it is sacred by the sanctity conferred on it by Allah till the day of resurrection".
- Muslims from all parts of the world turn toward it five times a day in worship to their Lord, to strengthen their unity and brotherhood. Allah the Exalted said: {We have seen you (O Muhammad), turning your face over and over again towards Heaven}. Now, therefore, We turn you towards the Qiblah that you like best: so turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. Henceforth, wheresoever you may be, turn your face at prayer towards it.
- For Muslims, Makkah is a Qiblah, guidance, blessing, and grace around which their lives revolve. It is necessary that we thank Allah for this great blessing. Allah the Exalted said: {Allah has appointed the Kaaba, the Sacred House, as a means of support for mankind, and the Sacred Month, the offerings, and the garlands}. That is so that you may know that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth and that Allah is Knower of all things.

It is the sanctuary of Allah, Who honored it and singled it out with the greatest characteristics.

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Makkah the Qiblah of Muslims

**Ka'bah Courtyard:**
Ka'bah courtyard or Mataf: It is the courtyard tiled with white marble that surrounds the honorable Ka'bah. Currently, it is called the "courtyard," in which Muslims walk around the Kab'ah. It is also called Mataf (circumambulation area), which refers to the act of going around the Ka'bah.  

**The Abbasid Corridor:**
The Abbasid corridor dates back to the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi. This corridor has undergone many innovations down the ages and during the Saudi expansions of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

**Saudi Expansions:**
Saudi leaders have prioritized improving and expanding the Grand Mosque of Makkah to keep pace with the increasing number of Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims. During the reign of King Saud, the first expansions of the Grand Mosque were commenced in 1375 AH. The Grand Mosque was further expanded in 1409 and in 1428AH.

**Outer Courtyards:**
In the second Saudi expansion, large courtyards surrounding the Grand Mosque were created and prepared for prayer, especially during the crowded seasons. They were tiled with heat-resisting marble.

**Roof of the Grand Mosque:**
The second Saudi expansion exploited the roof of the Grand Mosque. The roof was tiled with heat-resisting marble. In the third Saudi expansion, escalators were installed to carry worshipers to the roof and the first floor during Hajj-high and crowded seasons.

**Gates of the Grand Mosque:**
Many gates lead to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Each Gate has a specific number.
Above each gate, a light panel, recognizable from a distance, displays either an entry  or exit sign.

**The five main gates of the Grand Mosque:**

**King Abdulaziz Gate:** No. 1 in the Western Square

**Bab Safa, Gate:** No. 11 in the direction of Sa'i walkway (Masa'a) 

**Bab al-Fatah, Gate:** No. 45 in the North Square

**Bab Umrah, The Umrah Gate:** No. 62 in the North Square

**King Fahd Gate:** No. 79 in the Western Square


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Sections of the Grand Mosque of Makkah

The Grand Mosque of Makkah is surrounded by courtyards designed to facilitate the entry of Hajj and 'Umrah pilgrims and worshipers into the Mosque. They are also designed as prayer floors since they get filled with worshipers on Fridays and during Hajj and 'Umrah seasons.

**Key Tasks of Haram Courtyards Management:**
- Facilitating the entry of worshippers into the Grand Mosque.
- Opening passages from the courtyards to the Grand Mosque gates.
- Providing assistance to drifters, the elderly and the disabled.  
- Banning people from trading and begging in the courtyards.

**Key services in the Haram courtyards:**
- Safe Lockers
- Zamzam water
- Mist fans to cool the air
- Toilets and ablution areas
- Regular cleaning of the courtyards 

**In the Haram courtyards, avoid:**
- Leaving your belongings in the courtyards. You can have your belongings kept in a safe locker. 
- Carrying weapons and sharp materials.
- Riding a bicycle or a motorbike.
- Smoking.

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Courtyards of the Grand Mosque of Makkah

The circumambulation area is the courtyard tiled with white marble, which surrounds the Noble Ka'bah. It is now called the courtyard. It is the space where Muslims rotate around the Kaaba.

**Some important features of the circumambulation courtyard are:**

- **The Noble Ka'bah:**
It is the qiblah of Muslims and is dear to their hearts. It is the only object around which they rotate in worship to Allah. 
- **Maqam Ibrahim (Abraham):**
It is the rock on which Abraham, peace be upon him, stood when building the Ka'bah. It is a clear and visible sign in the Haram. Allah Almighty said: " In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham."


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Milestones of the Circumambulation Courtyard

The Ka'bah is the Sacred House of Allah, and the greatest building for Muslims. It enjoys a great prestige and a glorious history. It was built by Abraham and his son, Ismail, peace be upon both of them.

It is the first house that Allah placed on earth so that mankind may worship Him alone, without ascribing any partner to Him. The Almighty says, "The first House (of Prayer) established for mankind is the one at Bakkah: a blessed place and a guidance for the worlds." It is the qiblah of Muslims and the thrust of their hearts. It is the only structure which they circumambulate in worship to Allah.

**The Ka'bah has several features that can be observed during circumambulation:**

**Al-Hatim (Hijr Ismail):**
It is an open semi-circular space next to the Ka'bah. A portion of it was part of the Ka'bah. Prayer inside this enclosure is equivalent in reward to prayer inside the Ka'bah.

**Door of the Ka'bah:**
The door of the Kaaba is located on the eastern side of the Kaaba. Today it is made of pure gold. It is 222cm above the ground. 

**Al-Multazam:**
It is the eastern wall or part of it. It is located between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka'bah.
Iltizam (holding) means that a person presses his chest, face, arms and hands against this wall, and supplicates Allah Almighty. This may be difficult, even impossible, during crowded seasons.

**The Roof Gutter:** 
It is the part installed on the surface of the Ka'bah to drain water to Hijr Ismail.

**Shazrawan:**
It is a supporting structure for the Ka'bah. It encompasses it like a dress. It is not part of the Ka'bah. Rather, it was originally built to strengthen the structure of the Ka'bah and protect it from torrential rains. It has been preserved over the centuries. Today, it is covered with white marble.

**The Black Stone:**
The Black Stone came from Paradise, as the Prophet, blessing and peace be upon him, said. It marks the starting and concluding points of one's circumambulation. After a part of the building of the Ka'bah was demolished by rain, the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, put the Black Stone back in its place when people differed over who would put it in its place. 

**The Yemeni Corner:**
The Yemeni Corner is one of the four corners of the Honored Ka'bah. It is called “Yamani” because it faces Yemen. This corner and the Black Stone are called "the two Yemeni corners."


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The Ka'bah

**The circumambulation building comprises the following:**
- The circumambulation courtyard 
- Ground floor
- 1st floor
- The meezanain floor for wheelchair users on the first floor
- The roof

**Capacity of the circumambulation building:**
- The circumambulation courtyard accommodates 30,000 circumambulators per hour.
- Total capacity of all floors: 107.000 circumambulations per hour.


These floors are accessed through special paths determined by security personnel. Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims should cooperate with them and follow their instructions.


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Circumambulation Floors

**What are As-Safa and Al-Marwah?**
Two hills that Hagar (mother of Ismail, peace be upon him) climbed in search of food and water.
- **As-Safa:** a hill at which Sa’i begins. Its rocks are still visible on the ground floor of Al-Masa'a.
- **Al-Marwah:** a hill opposite As-Safa at which Sa’i ends.  

**Masa'a in figures:**
- Length: 394 m
- Total walking distance of the seven rounds: approximately 2,761 m
- Average time to complete Sa’i: 45-55 minutes. Walking speed varies depending on several factors.

**Masa'a Floors:**
Masa'a comprises several floors, with a total area of 87,000 square meters. **Those floors are:**
- Basement
- Ground floor
- The Mezzanine Floor for electric wheelchairs
- 1st floor
- 2nd floor
- Masa'a roof


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Al-Masa'a

Zamzam well is 21 meters to the east of the Ka'bah. 
Wellhead circumference: 3.60 m.

**Other Names of Zamzam:** Suqya Ismail, Safiah (pure), Mubarakah (blessed), Salimah (safe) and Tahirah (pure).

Down the ages, caliphs and kings took great care of Zamzam well. This interest continued in the Saudi era, starting with the reign of King Abdulaziz, who in 1345 AH ordered the construction of a Zamzam drinking charitable fountain. A year later, he ordered the construction of a second charitable fountain, maintenance and covering of the well. This interest has continued. King Salman  approved the completion of Zamzam well works and establishing five channels of Zamzam well services in 1439 AH.

**Zamzam Water Distribution Center:** It supervises Zamzam well works, so that Zamzam water is provided to Hajj and 'Umrah pilgrims in accordance with the highest quality standards.

**Zamzam Lab:**
- Supervises Zamzam water sterilization stages
- Supervises the processes of filling of tanks that transport Zamzam water to the Prophet's Mosque


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Zamzam Well

Parents can take their children of all ages to perform prayers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah. They must obtain ‘Umrah permits for children over 5 years old through the Nusuk app.

Parents shall make sure that their child has a card or bracelet bearing his/her name and the parent's phone number. They shall always hold their child's hand, and shall not move away from them so that they won't get lost. Parents shall also make sure that their children do not disturb worshipers.

**Drifters Care Center:**
The Drifters Care Center receives children who get lost in the Grand Mosque and hands them over to their families. It is supervised by the security force of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.


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Children in the Haram

The Friday prayer is one of the greatest and best prayers, and is even more in the Grand Mosque, where the virtues of time, place and worship come together.

**The merit of Friday:**
Friday is “the best day in which the sun ever rises,” said the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). There are many recommended acts and virtues that are specific to Friday, including: having a bath (ghusl), applying perfume, wearing the best clothes, going early to the mosque, reading Surat Al-Kahf, and a lot of supplications and praying on the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and to eagerly look for the hour in which supplications are answered.

**Avoiding crowds in the Haram at the time of Friday prayer:**

It is only natural that visitors are keen to perform Friday prayers in the Grand Mosque, but this leads to overcrowding during the Hajj season, **so here are some important instructions:**

- Avoid jostling and crowding that may cause harm to you and others.
- Be sure to go early to prayer, and avoid rushing out directly after the prayer.
- If you are unable to come early or suffer from fatigue or exhaustion, do not go to the Haram for Friday prayer. In this way you avoid staying under the harmful rays of the sun at noon.
- Remember that praying in any mosque within the boundaries of the Sanctuary, you will receive the same amount of reward.


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Friday prayer in the Grand Mosque

One of the virtues of the Grand Mosque of Makkah is that a prayer in it is equivalent to 100,000 prayers elsewhere. The Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, said, “And a prayer in the Sacred Mosque is better than a hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.”

This virtue includes all the mosques and attached units of Makkah that are located within the boundaries of the Haram. It also applies to obligatory and supererogatory prayers.

In crowded times and seasons, such as the month of Ramadan, residents in Makkah can pray in any mosque within the boundaries of the Haram area, and thus obtain the great reward for praying in the Haram.


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Virtues of praying in the Grand Mosque of Makkah 

**Banned items in the Grand Mosque include:**

- Foods and drinks (except for coffee, dates and water)
- Sharp tools
- Flammable liquids
- Large bags and baggage
- Baby carriages

Pilgrims should not leave their luggage and personal belongings at the gates. They may lodge their belongings in the safe boxes in the outer courtyards of the Haram.


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What items are banned in Haram?

**Before you go to the Haram, make sure that you carry the necessary items from the list below:**

-  A hotel card or a slip with your residence address on it
-  Sunglasses and an umbrella
-  A wallet, some cash and your ID
-  A small handbag for keeping personal belongings
-  Your mobile phone and make sure it is charged
-  Paper tissues 
-  A plastic bag to keep your shoes in

**Instructions and alerts: **

- If you regularly take medications, make sure you carry them so that you can use them, if necessary.
- Make sure you have kept your passport and important items in a safe place before you go out.
- Before you go out, save your residence location on your mobile phone.
- If you need a chair to sit on, there are plenty of chairs at the gates of the Grand Mosque.


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What items shall I take when I go to the Haram?

The Haram Mosque and its holy site services have been developed and expanded in conformity with highest standards. It has become an example in service quality and construction grandeur.  A pilgrim  usually needs to use the escalators to go up or down in the Sanctuary and its squares to access services, **so here are the most important warnings for when using the escalators:**

- Do not sit on the escalator even if you are tired.
Stand firmly on the escalator and hold  the handrail. 
- Women should be careful that their hijabs and  loose clothes  do not get stuck at the end of the escalator. 
- Walk immediately after the escalator reaches the end so that people do not collide with you from behind. 
- Do not place wheelchairs onto the escalator unless you do so with the help of a competent person. 
- If you have an elderly person or a person who is not accustomed to taking the escalator, be by his side and hold him to protect him from falling. 
- Do not push people or annoy your fellow pilgrims if there is crowding when going up or down, and give your brothers an opportunity to get on. 
- Do not place your foot on the side brush at the bottom of the escalator as this may injure you and disrupt the cleaning system of the escalator. 
- Go to the nearest hospital if you experience any nosebleed, headache or cramps.


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Escalators

**Free Wheelchairs:**
They are available at the eastern courtyard (the public transport entrance), the southern courtyard (next to King Abdulaziz Endowment) and the western courtyard (Al-Shabika entrance).

**Electric Wheelchairs:**The electric wheelchair service can be accessed through the following four entrances to the Grand Mosque:

  - The eastern courtyard (Al-Qashashiya rooftop)
  - The southern courtyard (Ajyad Bridge leading to the first floor)
  - Bab Ajyad escalator
  - Western courtyard (Shabika Bridge)

You can book an electric wheelchair in advance through Tanaqqul app, and you will find it at the start of the track of Sa’i (As-Safa) and at the Mezzanine floor (starting point of tawaf).
For an optimal use of wheelchairs, you shall enter from the specified entrances, use the designated tracks, follow the instructions of supervisors, keep the wheelchair in good condition, and drive the wheelchair cautiously and slowly.

**Golf Carts:**
The golf carts service is available free of charge to transport elderly or disabled 'Umrah pilgrims, worshipers  in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque.

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Wheelchairs for the ill and the elderly

As part of the system of spatial directions in the Grand Mosque, its corridors and courtyards, a large number of guide signs written in world languages guide visitors of the Grand Mosque, so that they can move and reach places easily. 

**There are several types of guide signs in the Haram:**

- Portable guide signs: These signs can be easily moved according to Grand Mosque entry and exit plans. They can be seen from a long distance because they are equipped with a height control feature. 
- Area signs in Masa'a, second Saudi expansion, Mataf (circumambulation area), ablution facilities and water closets. They are designed in beautiful shapes, sizes and colors that are symmetrical with the architectural design of the Grand Mosque, taking into account the visibility of writing and signs. They include: signs to be followed after completing circumambulation, which indicate the direction of Masa'a and Al-Safa, where Sa’i starts.
- Electronic guide signs (high-resolution screens) are used to disseminate directional and guidance content, direct pilgrims to their sites, explain precautionary measures and ensure the safety of visitors of the Grand Mosque. 
- Grand Mosque Gate Panels: These are the panels on which the name of the respective gate is displayed. QR codes have been added to show the basic information on each gate and its name. There are also guide signs that display whether a gate is entry-only or exit-only to visitors at a distance. 

All these services have been introduced to serve Hajj and 'Umrah pilgrims as well as worshipers. By following them, each person will access places easily, save time and effort, and contribute to the smooth flow of movement throughout the Haram.

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Guide Signs 

All services needed by people with hearing and speech impairments and people having difficulty hearing are available in the Grand Mosque. Several employees take care of and provide services to them. The best technical services are also available so that they may perform their worship in the Grand Mosque with ease.

**The Special Prayer Hall:**
A special prayer hall has been designed to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. In this hall, they are taught the Quran in sign language. Friday sermons, lessons and fatwas are also translated for them. It is located next to Gate No. 93 in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

**Friday Sermon and Prayer:**
Worshipers with hearing and speech impairments go to the Grand Mosque to perform the Friday prayer. The prayer hall is prepared before they come. They follow the translation of the sermon into sign language. After the prayer, one of the sheikhs is invited to answer their questions, while an interpreter translates the answers into sign language.

**Other Services:**
- The symbol signs service is available in the Grand Mosque of Makkah to help people with hearing and speech impairments access the various facilities of the Grand Mosque.
- Distribution of a digital interpretation of the meanings of the Noble Quran in sign language.
- Providing hearing aids for people with hearing loss during prayer times, sermons and lessons
- Qualifying a number of teachers of the Holy Quran sessions at the Grand Mosque and training them on sign language skills.

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Services for people with hearing and speech impairments

A group of ulema, university students, Sharia court officers, religious institute teachers, etc., answer the questions of Hajj and 'Umrah pilgrims on rituals and legal matters through the program for answering questions provided by the General Administration for Guidance and Counseling in the Grand Mosque of Makkah. There are 19 program offices in the Grand Mosque. These offices also distribute useful guidance and legal leaflets.

**Ifta Offices:**
- 10 offices inside the Grand Mosque of Makkah
- 9 cabins in the outer courtyards and entrances to the Grand Mosque

**Working hours:** 24 hours a day

**Attention:** When Ifta offices are crowded, use the dial free phones available at King Abdulaziz Gate, King Fahd Gate, and at the Ifta offices. You will be answered directly when you pick up the phone.

**Fatwas for Women via the Robot Guidance:**
Robot guidance provides fatwa services and information in a modern electronic way for women visiting the Grand Mosque. The service is available in several women prayer halls in the Grand Mosque and presents information on how to perform the Hajj and 'Umrah rituals in 11 world languages.

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Fatwa Services

Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Makkah for Hajj and 'Umrah in huge numbers, amounting to millions of visitors annually. For this reason, exceptional efforts are made to provide services for pilgrims and visitors. Thus, they can devote themselves to performing their acts of worship in a safe and secure environment freely. Here are some of the services provided in the Grand Mosque.

**Friday sermon translation service:**
A translation of the Grand Mosque Friday sermon can be listened to in several languages through the Manarat Al-Haramain Digital Platform, which provides an audio-translation of the sermon live Urdu, French, Malay, Persian and English.  

**Answering the queries of worshippers:**
Telephones dedicated to answering the questions and inquiries of pilgrims and worshippers are placed throughout the Grand Mosque. This service is available in seven world languages.

**Meanings of the Qur'an in several languages:**
Translation of the meanings of the Qur’an is available in many world languages for guests to read the Qur’an and contemplate its meanings while they are in the Haram. These translations are found on the Qur'an bookshelves. You can also ask for them. These translations are an endowment for the Haram and cannot be taken outside.

**Services for people with disabilities:**

Here are some of the most important services provided to people with special needs in the Grand Mosque:

- Translation of the Friday sermon is available in sign language for people with hearing impediments. The service is provided in the prayer hall in King Fahd Extension, Gate 64.
- For people with special needs, there are:
- An area in King Fahd Extension  accommodating more than 25 persons 
-  Prayer area in the circumambulation yard, known as the Tawaaf Prayer Area, 
- The Ajyad Prayer Hall on the first floor, 
- The prayer hall located in King Fahd Extension on the ground floor in front of Gate 67. 
- The women’s prayer halls next to Gate 88 and Gate 74 on the ground floor.
- Providing electronic Qur'an devices and Qur'ans in Braille for the blind.
- Elevators are available to carry wheelchairs to the upper floors and to toilets.

**Wheelchair service:**
There are large numbers of electric and manual wheelchairs available in the Grand Mosque. The baggy car service is available free of charge to transport pilgrims, elderly worshipers and people with special needs in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque. There are more than 5,000 regular wheelchairs and nearly 3,000 electric wheelchairs to facilitate the movement of pilgrims with disabilities.

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Available services in the Grand Mosque of Makkah

Toilets and places for ablution are important services that a person constantly needs for ablution and cleanliness.

- These facilities are available in all corners of the outer courtyards of the Grand Mosque.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness around the clock, these facilities stand out.
- Entrances to these services in the courtyards give the impression that they are limited in number, but in fact they contain large numbers of underground toilets and can also be accessed by escalators.

**Here is a brief description of their locations:**

- **Toilets No. (1) for women, and No. (2) for men:** These are in front of King Abdulaziz Gate, in front of As-Safwa Towers and Dar Al-Iman Royal Hotel.

- **Toilets No. (3) for men only**: these are located in front of King Abdulaziz Gate, next to As-Safwa Towers.

- **Toilets No. (6) for men, and No. (7) for women:** these are located in front of King Fahd Gate, towards Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street and Jabal Omar, next to At-Tawheed Hotel.

- **Toilets No. (8) for men, (4) and (5) for women:** these are located in front of doors (86-88), King Fahd's Escalator, next to Hijrah Road and the Makkah Towers.


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Toilet facilities close to the Grand Mosque

Zamzam water is one of Allah’s blessings on Makkah and its visitors. Allah bestowed it on Isma'il, peace be upon him, and his mother Hagar, when Abrahim, peace be upon him, left them in Makkah in response to Allah’s command to him. Then, he supplicated to his Lord, saying: ”Our Lord! verity I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near unto Your Sacred House. Our Lord! that they may establish the prayer; so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn toward them, and provide them with fruits in order that they may be thankful.” 

Therefore, Allah caused that sweet water to spring from under the feet of the child, and granted it characteristics and advantages incomparable to any water on earth, to honor Abrahim, his son, and his wife, and after them the nation of Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him).

**Zamzam water in the two Grand Mosques:** 

- Zamzam water is supplied in drinking water containers throughout the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque, in two conditions: cooled, which is usually offered, and uncooled, which is marked.

- Plastic cups are available for drinking. These are single-use cups. New cups are stacked on the right-hand side of each container and shall be disposed of in the bin on the left-hand side.

- The water staff periodically refill the containers, so moving these containers from their place will disrupt refilling work. 

- These containers are prepared for drinking only. Using them for ablution or taking water outside the Haram wastes Zamzam water and exposes visitors and pilgrims to slipping and pollution.

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Zamzam

There are 68 women prayer halls in the Grand Mosque of Makkah. **They are distributed as follows:**
- 20 prayer halls in the Mataf courtyard, King Fahd expansion, and basements.
- 48 prayer halls in the third Saudi expansion.

These prayer halls are supervised by more than 120 female employees, who work throughout the day in four shifts. Some halls are allocated to women with disabilities. 
Several women prayer halls are equipped with smart robot guidance for fatwas, explaining how to perform rituals, issuing fatwas and answering questions, and communicating with sheikhs remotely in various languages.

**Services provided by female employees in women prayer halls:**

- Guidance and organization of the rows of women in the prayer halls.
- Ensuring smooth movement in women-only corridors and facilities, opening prayer halls, and closing the ones that get full.
- Offering advice to and raising awareness of women visitors, teaching them how to pray and perform ablution and funeral prayer, as well as holding sessions to correct and master recitation of the Holy Quran.
- In women prayer halls, guidance and counseling are provided in several world languages.

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Women Prayer Halls in the Grand Mosque of Makkah

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The Haram Mosque and its holy site services have been developed and expanded in conformity with highest standards. It has become an example in service quality and construction grandeur.  A pilgrim  usually needs to use the escalators to go up or down in the Sanctuary and its squares to access services, **so here are the most important warnings for when using the escalators:**

- Do not sit on the escalator even if you are tired.
Stand firmly on the escalator and hold  the handrail. 
- Women should be careful that their hijabs and  loose clothes  do not get stuck at the end of the escalator. 
- Walk immediately after the escalator reaches the end so that people do not collide with you from behind. 
- Do not place wheelchairs onto the escalator unless you do so with the help of a competent person. 
- If you have an elderly person or a person who is not accustomed to taking the escalator, be by his side and hold him to protect him from falling. 
- Do not push people or annoy your fellow pilgrims if there is crowding when going up or down, and give your brothers an opportunity to get on. 
- Do not place your foot on the side brush at the bottom of the escalator as this may injure you and disrupt the cleaning system of the escalator. 
- Go to the nearest hospital if you experience any nosebleed, headache or cramps.

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Toilets and places for ablution are important services that a person constantly needs for ablution and cleanliness.

- These facilities are available in all corners of the outer courtyards of the Grand Mosque.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness around the clock, these facilities stand out.
- Entrances to these services in the courtyards give the impression that they are limited in number, but in fact they contain large numbers of underground toilets and can also be accessed by escalators.

**Here is a brief description of their locations:**

- **Toilets No. (1) for women, and No. (2) for men:** These are in front of King Abdulaziz Gate, in front of As-Safwa Towers and Dar Al-Iman Royal Hotel.

- **Toilets No. (3) for men only**: these are located in front of King Abdulaziz Gate, next to As-Safwa Towers.

- **Toilets No. (6) for men, and No. (7) for women:** these are located in front of King Fahd Gate, towards Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street and Jabal Omar, next to At-Tawheed Hotel.

- **Toilets No. (8) for men, (4) and (5) for women:** these are located in front of doors (86-88), King Fahd's Escalator, next to Hijrah Road and the Makkah Towers.

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There are many markets and stores around the Grand Mosque of Makkah. They are suitable for different visitors in terms of their prices and the goods. The best restaurants in this area are: 

- Jabal Umar project markets and stores
- Stores and restaurants in Al-Khalil Square 
- Markets and stores of King Abdulaziz Endowment Project
- Markets and stores of Al-Safwa Towers Hotel
- Markets and stores of the Makkah Hotel and Towers

As you walk through the streets and entrances adjacent to the Grand Mosque of Makkah, you will find many stores, restaurants and gift and clothes stores which offer a wide range of products and meals at various prices.

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Markets and restaurants next to the Haram

The visitor can drink inside the two Grand Mosques from the water containers in both mosques.

**Zamzam water in Makkah and Madinah**
- To drink in your accommodation and during your trip, your visit to Madinah and while in Makkah and Madinah, bottles are available at affordable prices. Visitors should beware of not buying from street vendors at high prices. 

Although Zamzam water is provided according to the highest levels of purity, exposing it to direct sun light may result in some interactions with plastic containers.

**Zamzam water on your flight**
- A pilgrim should check the regulations of airline and the customs regulations in their country to check the allowed volume and required procedures.     

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Where can I get Zamzam water?

These centers provide comprehensive services and guidance needed by pilgrims performing Hajj and 'Umrah, in multiple languages.

**Key services provided by these centers include**
- Showing the way to lost people
- Providing guidance to pilgrims about available services.
- Handling complaints, communications and inquiries.

**Services are provided in the following languages**
- The staff of these service centers offer services in ten languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Hausa, Indonesian, Malay, Persian, Turkish, Urdu and Uzbek

**Phone number** 920002814

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Care Centers

Parents can take their children of all ages to perform prayers in the Grand Mosque of Makkah. They must obtain ‘Umrah permits for children over 5 years old through the Nusuk app.

Parents shall make sure that their child has a card or bracelet bearing his/her name and the parent's phone number. They shall always hold their child's hand, and shall not move away from them so that they won't get lost. Parents shall also make sure that their children do not disturb worshipers.

**Drifters Care Center:**
The Drifters Care Center receives children who get lost in the Grand Mosque and hands them over to their families. It is supervised by the security force of the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

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Mount Noor is the place where Allah honored His Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) with prophethood. This is where he used to spend his time in  worship of his Lord and in contemplation of Allah's creation.

In this cave the history of mankind changed when Gabriel conveyed the revelation from Allah to Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). The first thing that was revealed was: {Read! In the name of your Lord Who creates. [He] creates man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous. It is He Who teaches by the pen. [He] teaches man that which he does not know.}

**The location of the Cave of Hira':**
- North of the Grand Mosque, at the top of Jabal An-Noor.
- The cave is about 4.8 km (3 miles) from Makkah.
- Elevation: approximately 634 m (2080 ft.)
- The cave is a natural void with its entrance towards the north, which can accommodate up to 9 sitting people. It is about 1.6 m.

**Please note:** It is neither obligatory nor recommended to visit the cave as it has nothing to do with the Hajj rituals. It should be noted that it is difficult for the elderly and sick to reach the cave.

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Mount Noor (Jabal An-Noor) and the cave of Hira

The cave of Thawr is the small cave in which the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) stayed with his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq - may Allah be pleased with him - for three nights during his migration to Madinah, hiding from the eyes of the polytheists, while Allah protected and preserved him.
 
Allah the Most High said: {Allah did help him before when the disbelievers forced him to go away from his home, and he was but the second of two: when the two were in the cave; when he was saying to his Companion, "Be not distressed: indeed, Allah is with us"}.

**Location of the cave:** The cave is situated at the top of Mount Thawr, about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Makkah. Its elevation is approximately 748 metres (2454 ft.)

**The Cave of Thawr:** The Cave of Thawr is a hollow rock, about 1.25 m (4.1 ft.) high. It has two openings: one to the east and one to the west and is located on the northern slope, at the top of Mount Thawr.

**Please note:** It is neither obligatory nor recommended to visit the cave as it has nothing to do with the Hajj rituals. It should be noted that it is difficult for the elderly and sick to reach the cave due to the long distance, rough terrain and difficult accessibility.

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Thawr Mount and Cave

A unique cultural and tourist attraction near Hira in Makkah. This monument aims to achieve a number of goals including:

-	Developing the attraction site to fit the historic status of Saudi Arabia and to show how much we care about our holy and historic sites and its visitors.
-	Investing the historical value of the site in accordance with the important place Makkah holds religiously and historically.
-	Enriching the religious and cultural experience for pilgrims.
-	Ensuring the safety of Makkah's visitors.
-	Adding developmental elements in order to serve the visitors of Makkah.


**Revelation Exhibition:**

-	This project is linked to Hira Cave, where the prophet, peace be upon him, received the first divine revelation. Revelation is an essential theme in this project. The exhibition recounts the story of revelation to the prophet, peace be upon him.
-	The exhibition also devotes a special wing to the story of revelation to our prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, in particular and introduces this aspect of his biography.
-	Visitors then move on to learn everything related to the story of revelation, such as Hira Cave, Mother of the Believers Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid, and angel Gabriel, peace be upon him. The museum employs an interesting technical presentation that takes visitors on an enjoyable audio-visual journey.

**Exhibition opening hours:**
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

**For booking and inquiries:** +966559850986


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Hira Cultural District

- It is a historical mosque erected in the place from which the Mother of the Believers, Aishah bint Abi Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with her and her father) entered into the state of Ihram for her 'Umrah. It took place after the Farewell Pilgrimage.
- Aishah, (may Allah be pleased with her),  wished to leave Makkah after performing both Hajj and 'Umrah like the rest of the Companions, but she was unable to do 'Umrah due to the legitimate excuse that had befallen her. So, after completing the Hajj, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) ordered her brother to take her to Al-Tan'eem (the place of the mosque today) so that she would enter into Ihram to do her 'Umrah.
- The mosque is located outside the Haram, west of Makkah, and is 7 km/4.3 miles from the Grand Mosque.
- The people of Makkah enter into their state of Ihram for 'Umrah from this mosque since it is the nearest point outside the Haram.
- This mosque was built during the era of Caliph Al-Mutawakkil (240 AH) and was rebuilt during the reign of King Fahd.
- Whoever wants to reperform the 'Umrah has to enter into the state of Ihram from At-Tan'eem, after obtaining a permit through one of these two apps: Eatamarna or Tawakkalna

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The Mosque of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, in At-Tan'eem

Al-Muhassab is a spacious area between Makkah and Mina. It is closer to Mina, and hence is associated with it. It is also called Al-Abtah.

**Origin of the name:**
- It is called 'Al-Muhassab' because floods drive small pebbles (Hasba' in Arabic) into this valley. 
- 'Abtah' in Arabic denotes a spacious watercourse where sand and pebbles are torrential remnants.  

**Where is Al-Muhassab located?**
- Today, Al-Muhassab covers the areas of Gumayzah, Al-Malawi, and Al-Bayadiyah and extends as far as Rai' Adhakher.

Al-Muhassab

**Location of Dhi Tuwa Valley:** Dhi Tuwa Valley is located to the north of the Grand Mosque of Makkah. The greatest part of it is known today as Az-Zahir. It is an urban area where several urban residential neighborhoods have been built.

**Virtue of Dhi Tuwa Valley:** Abdullah bin Omar, (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), often took great pains to find the places where the Prophet, (blessings and peace be upon him), prayed during his travels to pray in them. For example, whenever he travelled to Makkah, he spent the night before entering Makkah in Dhi Tuwa valley. In the morning he would wash and then enter Makkah in the daytime, and would report that the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, did so.

**Site of the Well of Dhi Tuwa Valley:** The well of Thi Tuwa Valley is located in Jarwal neighborhood, Dhi Tuwa valley, in front of former Maternity Hospital.

**The story of the well during the conquest of Makkah:** The importance of this historic well derives from the fact that the Messenger of Allah, (blessings and peace be upon him), stayed near it overnight before entering Makkah as a conqueror. In the morning, he went to the well, drank from its water, and took a bath. Here too the Prophet, (blessings and peace be upon him), distributed his army into units in preparation for entering Makkah. 

Dhi Tuwa Valley Well

- Namerah Mosque is one of the most important landmarks in Arafah. On the day of Arafah, thousands of pilgrims who come from all over the world pray in this mosque.

- This mosque was built on the site where the Messenger of Allah, (blessings and peace be upon him), prayed and delivered the farewell sermon.

- The Zuhr and Asr prayers are conducted in this mosque. The sermon on the Day of Arafah, which is broadcast by many Islamic televisions and radio stations, is also delivered from the pulpit of this mosque.

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Namerah Mosque

It is the greatest mosque in Mina. It is the place where the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, stayed and prayed during the Farewell Hajj.

Earlier prophets, (may peace be upon them), stopped and prayed in the site of this mosque. It was narrated that "seventy prophets prayed in Al-Khayf Mosque." 

Pilgrims still pray there today.

**Location of Al-Khayf Mosque:** It is located on King Faisal Road in Mina.

**Mosque area and capacity:**
- Area: 25,000 m2.
- It accommodates 45,000 worshippers.
- It has one long minaret in each corner.
- Pilgrims must not lie down or sleep in the mosque. They shall not disturb worshipers.

Al-Khaif Mosque

This mosque is a model for building integrated mosques. It is one of the largest mosques in Makkah region, and is remarkable for offering numerous services and organizing various events.

**Location**: Al-Naseem neighborhood, Makkah

**Inauguration date**: 1434 AH

**Area**: 60,864 m2

**External area**: 10,000 m2

**Capacity**: 47,000 worshipers

**Number of floors**: 6 

**This mosque is characterized by**:
- Implementation of social programs
- Implementation of educational programs
- Recruiting volunteers during Hajj and 'Umrah seasons
- Receiving domestic and international delegations.

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Aisha Al-Rajhi Mosque

The Kiswah of the Kaaba is an integral part of the history of the Kaaba itself. It consists of black silk on which verses from the Holy Qur’an are embroidered with gold water. It consists of four pieces distributed on the faces of the Kaaba, in addition to a fifth piece, which is a curtain on the door of the Kaaba. The manufacturing of the Kiswah is supervised by the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba, which is located in the center of Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The Kiswah is replaced with a new one once a year during Hajj, after the pilgrims go to Arafah.


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Kiswah (Covering) of the Kaaba

This is an astronomical museum, located on the balcony of the clock tower at the highest point in Makkah. The museum uses the most advanced techniques of display and clarification of astronomy, the Qur’an’s views of astronomy, the efforts of Muslim scientists in the field of astronomy and space sciences, and many other important and interesting themes. It was launched in 1440 AH.

**Museum floors:**

- **First floor**: Makkah Clock exhibits (building, features and techniques).
- **Second floor**: time measurement, human innovations, and attempts to tell the time.
- **Third floor**: exhibits about the sun, the earth, the moon, and related themes.
- **Fourth Floor**: exhibits about the universe in general.

At the end of the tour, the visitor can see the most beautiful and majestic view from the highest balcony: the Ka'bah and the Grand Mosque, and Makkah mountains and valleys.

**Location of the Museum:** The Clock Tower, Endowment of King Abdulaziz.

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Clock Tower Museum

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for Zamzam Water operates in Makkah under the supervision and management of the Saudi National Water Company. It was launched in Ramadan, 1431 AH.

The project supplies the Grand Mosques of Makkah and Madinah with Zamzam water. It also provides beneficiaries with safely bottled Zamzam water. The maximum production capacity of the project is 200,000 bottles per day.

The project employees guide and direct beneficiaries and answer their inquiries about the services offered.

**You can buy Zamzam water bottles at the following outlets:**
- **Makkah:** King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Project for Zamzam Water
- **Jeddah:** King Abdulaziz International Airport
- **Madina:** Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport

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Zamzam and the King Abdullah Project

Makkah Clock Royal Tower rises more than 400 meters above ground. It is the largest clock tower in the world, with a diameter of more than 40 meters. The clock weighs 36 thousand tons. The clock can be seen from all areas of Makkah al-Mukarramah from a distance of more than eight kilometers. The clock consists of four interfaces, and the largest word (Allah is Great) in the world can be seen above the clock, where the letter (A) in the word (Allah) is more than 23 meters long. The diameter of the crescent is 23 meters, constituting the largest crescent that has been made so far. The two testimonies of faith (I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger) can also be seen. The clock was designed in the Islamic style according to the strictest safety standards.


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World's Largest Clock Tower

Makkah has a host of fascinating, intimate museums that shed light on the city’s history as the birthplace of Islam and a crossroads for travelers from all over the world for centuries. The Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques guides visitors through the construction and many phases of the Masjid Al Haram in Makkah as well as the Masjid An Nabawi in Medina—browse intricate marble arches, reclaimed wooden doors and much more, saved and restored from previous iterations of the mosques. You’ll have to get permission to visit the Kiswah Museum next door—though it’s well worth to see where the kiswah, the 670-kilogram black silk cloth draped on the Kaaba, is made by hand, and woven with calligraphic inscriptions done in threads made from real gold and silver. At the Makkah Museum, set in the opulent Al Zahir Palace, you can learn about the region’s pre-Islamic history, dating back to ancient rock art, and see some early-Islamic coins from Byzantine, Abbasid and Umayyad dynasties as well as rare copies of centuries-old Qurans and other important texts.


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Museums

The place where Jibreel first met the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, and revealed to him the opening verses of the Qur’an (Recite in the name of your Lord who created). It is located 4 kilometers away from the northeastern side of the Holy Mosque. It was called Jabal al-Noor, as the lights of prophecy emerged there. Its height is 642 meters. It has a steep slope from 380 meters to 500 meters above sea level. It is five kilometers long and 250 meters wide. Its top resembles the camel's hump.
In Jabal al-Noor, there is the Cave of Hiraa, which is one of the most important places in the history of Islam and the prophecy, as the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, used to seclude himself to worship Allah before the prophecy, away from the people of Makkah. It is a gap at the top of Jabal al-Noor. Its entrance faces the northern direction, and it is four cubits long and one and three-fourths cubits wide. A person who enters the Cave faces the Kaaba. Whoever stands at the top of Jabal al-Noor can see Makkah and its buildings.

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Jabal al-Noor (Mount of Light)

Endowment of King Abdul Aziz for the Two Holy Mosques Project is one of the largest architectural projects in the world. It is developed on 1.5 million square meters. It consists of seven adjacent towers with a height of 600 meters. Their capacity is 65 thousand people. The project includes a mosque accommodating 3,300 worshipers, in addition to parking lots linked to underground tunnels under the building and accommodating more than 1,000 vehicles. They also include water tanks with the capacity of more than m3 53,000, for water provision, especially at peak times, and around the clock.


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Endowment of King Abdul Aziz for the Two Holy Mosques

It is located in the eastern side of the Kaaba. It rises from the ground by more than 222 cm from Shazrawan. The door is 318 cm high, 170 cm wide, and about half a meter deep. Previously, the Kaaba had a hole to enter it, which was then replaced with a door, which had a long history and has been changed several times.
King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, may his soul rest in peace, commanded that a new door be manufactured in 1363 AH. It was then made of aluminum with a thickness of 2.5 cm and a height of 3.10 meters. It was supported with bars of iron. Then, the outer face of the door was covered with plates of silver plated with gold. The door was decorated with the fine names of Allah. During the reign of King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, he commanded the door to be replaced with a new one made of pure gold, which is currently in place.
For a long time, the door had been opened irregularly, which was dangerous to the lives of those who were in the crowd. This led to the door being opened only twice a year. The first time is in the month of Sha’ban, for washing the Kaaba, and the second time is at the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah, for washing the Kaaba and hanging the new Kiswah.

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Door of the Kaaba

The place to which the Prophet and his companion, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, lay hidden while they were on their way to Madina during Hijrah (Migration). It is located to the northern side of Thawr mountain, to the south of Makkah. Its height is 760 meters above sea level. It is about four kilometers away from the southern side of Makkah al-Mukarramah. It is a hollow rock of 1.25 m high. It has two entrances, one to the western side, by which the Prophet and his companion entered, and another entrance to the eastern side.


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Cave of Thawr

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built the longest pedestrian road in the world. It is more than 25 kilometers long from Jabal Al Rahma (Mount of Mercy) in Arafah, to Mina, passing through Muzdalifah, to facilitate the movement of pilgrims according to the highest international standards, in order to provide pilgrims with comfort and safety during movement between the holy sites “Arafah – Muzdalifah, and Mina”. It includes 4 tracks. The first road is 5,100 linear meters long, the second is 7,580 linear meters long, the third is 7,556 linear meters long, and the fourth is 4,620 linear meters long. For the comfort of pilgrims, a track includes 1,000 seats, shades for sun protection, 57 directional boards, more than 400 high-tech lighting poles, 810 lanterns (LED), 25 lighting towers of 30 meters high, and 100 lanterns of 100 watts. More than 400 garbage bins have been installed on both sides of the road.


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The Longest Pedestrian Road in the World

The railway line that facilitates the arrival of pilgrims to the holy sites and links the southeast of Arafah with the southwest of Mina (Jamarat Area).
The train passes through the stations in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, at three stations for each location. The trip starts from Jamarat Station, passing through Mina and Muzdalifah, to Arafah, at speeds ranging between 80-120 km per hour. It runs without a driver, using automatic operation systems that are controlled by an operation and control center. There are 17 trains; 17 with 12 engines for each. They transport 300 pilgrims per trip. The capacity is 72,000 people per hour.
The train can be accessed by ramps, elevators, ordinary and electric stairs, and electronic gates.

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The Mashaer Train

This is an exhibition displaying the stages and ways of weaving the kiswah (the cloth cover of the Ka'bah), its history, and the Qur’anic verses and inscriptions on it.

**Visitors can:**
- Have a good close-up look at the Qur’anic verses written on the honorable kiswah.
- Explore the details of the kiswah of all four sides of the Ka'bah.
- Explore the history of the kiswah and some pieces of old covers.
- Learn about the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the Ka'bah and its kiswah.
- Watch a visual presentation of the stages of producing the kiswah in the Kingdom, and the stages of replacing it.
- At times, visitors can also participate in the sewing of the covering of the Ka'bah.

**Location:** The Kiswah Factory and its Showroom is located on Jeddah Road in Makkah.

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Kiswah of the Ka'bah Exhibition 

A stage of Hajj journey. It is characterized by white tents. It has recently won the Guinness World Records Award for the largest tent city in the world. It provides many services, including the Mashaer Train, housing camps, catering, transportation system, integrated electricity system, and interconnected road network. Pilgrims usually spend the Day of Tarwiyah (the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah) there and return to Mina again to spend Day of Nahr (the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah) and the three days of Tashreeq (the eleventh, the twelfth, and thirteenth days of Dhul-Hijjah). Mina is the first stage of Hajj. It has a historical and religious status. It is famous for archaeological landmarks and historical events, as it is located within the boundaries of the Haram between Makkah and Muzdalifah, 7 km to the northeast of the Holy Mosque. Mina also includes the extension of “Ain Zubaida,” in addition to some old wells, including the well of Kadana. Mina is famous for the historical seasonal markets, including the Arab Market, which was given this name because most Arab pilgrims used to display their goods at this market from the tenth day to the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.


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Mina

One of the stages of the pilgrim’s journey. It occurs on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, where pilgrims stand at Arafah. The Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, said: (Hajj is Arafah). That is why it is called the Greatest Day of Hajj.
Standing at Arafah and supplication anywhere within the boundaries of Arafah or the Mountain of Mercy are allowed on the day of Arafah.
On the day of Arafah, pilgrims join and shorten zuhr prayer and asr prayer. The prayer has a sermon as the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, did as he performed Hajj, delivered a sermon, and led Muslims in his last farewell Hajj. Pilgrims start to depart Arafat to head to Muzdalifah after the sunset.
The day of Arafah has great virtues, as the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, said that the day of Arafah is the best day for Allah.

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Arafah

Allah called it al- Mash'ar al-Haram in the Holy Qur’an: (But when you depart from 'Arafat, remember Allah at al- Mash'ar al-Haram). It is a stage of the Hajj journey. It is located between Mina and Arafah. The pilgrims stay overnight there after they depart Arafah. They join and shorten Maghrib and Isha prayers and collect pebbles for Jamarat, in Mina. Pilgrims stay there for part of the night or until the dawn of the next day, the day of Eid, to move to Mina.


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Muzdalifah

A mosque that was built in Arafah where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, delivered a sermon for the last farewell Hajj. In Namirah Mosque, thousands of pilgrims pray zuhr and asr prayers on the day of Arafah. It is located to the west of Arafah. The western part of the Mosque is located in Wadi ‘Arnah, which is a valley of Makkah Al-Mukarramah where the Prophet prohibited pilgrims from standing there because it is not a part of Arafat, but it is very close thereto.
Namirah Mosque is known in many books by several other names, such as the Mosque of the Prophet Ibrahim, Arafah Mosque, and Arnah Mosque. The name Arafah Mosque was originated from a village outside Arafah Area where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, resided and then moved to the valley, where he prayed zuhr and asr prayers and delivered a sermon in the Mosque.
During the era of the Saudi State, the Mosque witnessed the largest expansions in history, where it became the second largest mosque in Makkah in terms of area after the Holy Mosque. The length of the Mosque from east to west is 340 meters, and the width from north to south is 240 meters. Its area is more than 110,000 square meters. Behind the Mosque, there is a shaded area of 8 thousand square meters. The Mosque accommodates about 350 thousand worshippers. It has six minarets and an equipped outside broadcasting room for broadcasting the sermon and zuhr and asr prayers on the day of Arafat, directly by satellite.

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Namirah Mosque

One of the most prominent landmarks of Mina is the Jamarat or the Jamrah Pillars that are thrown at the Jamarat Bridge. The three Jamarat are located in Mina Valley. Currently, they are within the Jamarat Bridge, which is one of the great achievements of the Kingdom’s Government, in order to organize crowds and provide safety when they go to throw Jamarat. At the beginning of the Day of Nahr, only the seven pebbles of the biggest Jamrah are thrown. During the days of Tashreeq, each Jamrah is thrown at with seven pebbles, from the Smallest Jamrah, the Middle Jamrah, and finally the Biggest Jamrah. A pilgrim can throw Jamarat from any floor of the Jamarat Bridge. It is very important for pilgrims to abide by the schedule of Tafweej (Group Dispatching) set by the organizers for throwing Jamarat and the directions of movement, in order to maintain the safety and security of others. The Jamarat Bridge is one of the pioneering projects that has made a civilizational and engineering leap in the service of pilgrims. The Jamarat Facility consists of four floors, in addition to the ground floor. It is 80 meters wide and has 12 entrances for Jamarat and 12 exits in the four directions, which reduces overcrowding. The Bridge is linked to the pilgrim camps.


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Jamarat

Located opposite the King Abdul Aziz Gate in Makkah, Al Safwah Hotel offers modern and upscale accommodation in a tall building in the Grand Mosque. Provide free Wi-Fi service. The rooms at Al Safwa Royal Orchid Hotel are furnished with contemporary furniture and are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They are all air-conditioned and have an en suite bathroom with selected toiletries.


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Al Safwah

Raffles Palace is an exclusive all-suite hotel with stunning views of the Holy Mosque and the Kaaba in a prime location right next to the Grand Mosque. Professional butlers provide the signature Raffles style of service. Luxurious Raffles décor with marble floors and oriental rugs makes you feel right at home.


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Raffles

Fairmont hotel is located just 100 meters from the Holy Mosque, inside the Makkah Al Mukarramah Clock Tower, and is considered one of the tallest buildings in the world. It features a fully equipped fitness center, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. It offers concierge services around the clock.


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Fairmont

Located at the heart of Al-Haram Mosque, InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid offers a truly unparalleled and distinct experience. Mere steps from the Holy Kaaba and King Fahad Gate, our hotel provides easy access to Islamic sites such as Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Jabal Al Noor. In addition to exclusive amenities such as private parking, an exclusive Kid’s Club, and a private prayer hall, our elegant on-site restaurants and cozy ZamZam Cafe offer a range of dining options for Umrah and Hajj.


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InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid

Hilton Suites is located in the heart of the holy city of Makkah, overlooking the Holy Haram. Free Wi-Fi and separate private mosques for men and women on the hotel premises.


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Hilton Suites

Swissotel Makkah is located in a high tower in the heart of the Islamic world, with views of the Holy City. The hotel is part of the magnificent Abraj Al Bait complex, facing the Holy Kaaba and providing direct access to the Grand Mosque from Ibrahim Al Khalil Street and the entrance to the Umm Al Qura Tunnel. There is also direct access to the hotel from the Abraj Al Bait complex.
