Advanced GPS System Enhances Pilgrim Guidance At Grand Mosque, Makkah

Makkah, SPA—In preparation for the Hajj season, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a GPS navigation system to enhance the experience of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. This service includes an interactive digital map and a printed guide, aiming to improve services that facilitate the arrival and movement of pilgrims.

The interactive digital map service is designed to ease access and navigation for those visiting the Grand Mosque. It helps identify locations of religious rituals and prominent landmarks, including the Mataf (circumambulation) area and the Sai area. The service provides direct navigation to these sites through a digital interface.

To assist pilgrims in locating their positions within the sacred site, 200 QR code panels are distributed throughout the Grand Mosque. These panels allow users to determine their location and find their desired destination using mobile phones compatible with iOS and Android systems.

The interactive digital map also provides access to all facilities offered by the authority. These include gates, the library, restrooms, guidance offices, manual and electric cart services, escalators, and field hospitals. The map accommodates cultural diversity by including several languages such as Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Indonesian, and Turkish.

Printed Guidance Manual

The general administration for survey and geographic information systems at the Grand Mosque has also provided a printed guidance manual for pilgrims. This manual is distributed manually and is available in multiple languages. It complements printed guideboards on the walls of the Grand Mosque, assisting pilgrims in performing their worship and facilitating their movement.

The introduction of these navigation aids aims to ensure a smoother experience for all visitors during the Hajj season. By leveraging technology and multilingual resources, the General Authority seeks to provide comprehensive support to pilgrims from around the world.

With inputs from SPA