Crowd management during Umrah is not as easy as it sounds, but all thanks to the efficient handling and logistics by the Saudi government which makes the entire journey hassle-free for all pilgrims. In off-peak seasons, the crowds are already low, which makes performing Umrah easy. However, during peak seasons when Muslims book the best Ramadan Umrah packages or in the month of December, the ratio of crowd automatically increases due to the increased demand, and that is where efficient crowd handling really matters.
This crowd management is not only relevant to maintaining the right flow of pilgrims or logistics, it serves as a spiritual mandate that the government of Saudi Arabia is very cautious about. Therefore, all aspects of the journey are well-calculated, from arrival to departure to ensure pilgrims enjoy a stress-free Umrah in Ramadan. Let’s discover together how Saudi Arabia handles millions of pilgrims during Umrah season.
Visa and Entry Procedures
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has simplified the process of visa booking and application for Muslims. The inclusion of the Umrah electronic system provides an opportunity to pilgrims to apply online via licensed travel agents or websites, from anywhere. This online platform assists in minimizing delays as well as paperwork.
The Kingdom has even permitted some nationalities on tourist visas to perform Umrah, which seems quite flexible and attractive to people who visit. In addition, the immigration procedures in the airports have also been simplified to a great extent to welcome pilgrims in a quick, dignified way.
Receiving Pilgrims at the Airport
As soon as pilgrims arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, they are warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and volunteers. Special terminals are set up to smoothly process the Umrah crowds. Immigration and custom services are also quite timely to ensure peace of mind for the pilgrims. Also, there are several transportation desks that are available to assist pilgrims in seeking buses, taxis or trains. The elderly and disabled individuals can also get access to wheelchairs and relevant services. Throughout their Umrah journey, pilgrims feel highly respected and looked after.
Transportation System
Transportation of pilgrims between cities and places of worship is one of the greatest problems during the Umrah season. To manage this, Saudi Arabia has invested in huge transportation networks. The Haramain High-Speed Railway links Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdulaziz Airport, and serves as a speed train that saves time and lends a comfortable, clean, and air-conditioned travel experience.
In Makkah, one can have access to both free and paid shuttle buses, which transport pilgrims between their hotels and Masjid al-Haram. Furthermore, these buses are available 24 hours and particularly in peak periods such as Umrah Ramadan. The road areas surrounding the holy places are well-managed by traffic police, roadblocks, and bus lanes.
Accommodation System
Providing the best accommodation to pilgrims is the top priority of Saudi management. One may find different options in this regard, ranging from simple and affordable ones to luxury 5-star hotels in Makkah and Madinah. Many of these hotels share a close distance (walking distance) with the main mosques in both cities.
The Saudi Ministry closely works with hotel managers to ensure seamless services for pilgrims and check if they meet international safety and health standards. The pilgrims also receive clear information on their bookings, meals, and emergency contacts. Temporary accommodation can also be arranged in case of a crowd overflow. Some hotels also offer iftar and suhoor meals during Umrah in Ramadan to make fasting easy for the pilgrims, and to help them focus on the spiritual aspects of the journey.
Crowd Management in the Holy Mosques
Most of the visits during Umrah are made to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Crowd control during these holy sites becomes a great challenge for the Saudi government. In order to accomplish the same, there are thousands of trained security and administrative personnel who work 24/7 to ensure better crowd management in these areas. The entry and exit routes are also clearly marked, as well as there are control barriers and multiple gates to ensure less congestion.
There are specified cleaning staff members to keep the areas spotless at all times. CCTVs and intelligent surveillance systems allow the authorities to monitor the movements of people in the crowd. In addition, during the peak Umrah seasons, additional employees and volunteers are hired to assist the visitors.
Medical and Emergency Services
The government of Saudi Arabia prioritises the health and safety of pilgrims, thereby providing them an easy access to different mobile clinics, ambulance stations and temporary hospitals around the major religious sites. These healthcare facilities can help treat anything from heatstroke and minor injuries to critical emergencies. Pilgrims can also receive a free check-up and medicines at any time they want.
The staff of health attendants is also trained to communicate in multiple languages so as to communicate with the international pilgrims. Saudi Arabia proved its ability to handle the health crisis effectively with health measures such as vaccination, frequent sanitization, and social distancing, during COVID-19 as well.
Technology and Smart Services
Modern technology and smart services contribute massively to the management of the Umrah experience. Saudi Arabia has also launched different applications and websites to assist pilgrims throughout the journey. For instance, the Nusuk app enables users to seek Umrah permits and receive prayer times and routes.
In addition, one can also have easy access to real-time updates, maps, and guides that can be accessed in various languages. Sometimes smart bracelets and ID cards are also provided to assist in identifying pilgrims and provide them with assistance in case they get lost in the crowd. Further, the crowd’s density and security are also monitored by surveillance drones, facial recognition, and AI-based monitoring.
Hope the post helped you. For the best Ramadan Umrah Packages, contact Muslims Holy Travel.
