Madinah: Hajj/Madinah is set to receive the first group of pilgrims arriving hurriedly by bus and the Haramain High Speed Rail tomorrow as government agencies in Madinah have completed their preparations to welcome the Guests of God. These preparations are aimed at providing continuous services to pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque after completing their Hajj rituals this year.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the relevant authorities are executing operational plans for the post-Hajj season, supervised by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region and Chairman of the Hajj and Visitation Committee. The authorities will welcome the first batch of pilgrims, who will arrive tomorrow evening via buses and the Haramain High Speed Railway. Efforts are being made to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Hijra Expressway and to maintain high security levels along the main roads, including the Qassim and Tabuk roads passing through Madinah.
The operational plan of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque focuses on preparing the mosque and its facilities to receive pilgrims in a healthy, safe, and clean environment. A total of 141 doors will be opened to accommodate worshippers in the men's and women's sections, with 100 passages organized throughout the mosque for entry. The preparations involve laying out 25,000 rugs for prayer, providing Holy Quran copies in various languages, and enhancing guidance work for the lost.
Additional services include special arrangements for the elderly and disabled, such as wheelchair distribution points, transportation services via electric carts, and the operation of 194 stairs and electric elevators to assist worshippers. The mosque utilizes 133,459 lighting units and has prepared air conditioning services to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors.
Efforts also encompass intensifying Zamzam water services, with over 10,000 water containers distributed throughout the mosque. Chilled water drinking points are set up in the courtyards, and canopies are opened during daylight hours to accommodate worshippers. Additionally, 2,782 restrooms are prepared for use, with access facilitated by regular and electric stairs. The mosque operates 6,060 loudspeakers during prayer times and for delivering sermons and educational programs.
The arrival of pilgrims post-Hajj is supported by guidance and organizational services, which facilitate entry to the Noble Sanctuary according to pre-booked times via approved applications. Visitors are educated and guided before entering the Sanctuary, provided with Zamzam water bottles, and enabled to perform voluntary prayers during entry times. These measures ensure the largest number of pilgrims can pray in the Sanctuary and greet the Chosen Messenger and his companions.