Saudi authorities have issued new guidance for Umrah pilgrims to help them avoid heavy crowds at Masjid al-Haram, according to reports today.
Pilgrims have been advised to check the crowd situation before visiting the mosque and plan their time accordingly. The Saudi General Authority said crowd levels change at different times of the day.
Planning visits during less busy hours can make it easier for pilgrims to perform Tawaf, Sa’i and other acts of worship.
What are the less crowded hours for Umrah?
According to the authorities, crowd levels are usually lower from 10 PM to 4 AM and from 9 AM to 4 PM.
These hours may provide pilgrims with more space to move around the Mataf and Mas’a areas.
Crowds are usually moderate from 5 AM to 8 AM. The busiest period is from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Pilgrims have been advised to avoid busy hours when possible and choose quieter times for their visit.
How to use digital services?
Saudi authorities have also advised Umrah pilgrims to use the digital services available for Masjid al-Haram.
Pilgrims can check crowd levels and choose a suitable time before visiting. This can help reduce congestion and make movement around the mosque easier.
Umrah Pilgrim numbers rise
The number of Umrah pilgrims has also continued to increase. According to the report, 920,500 Umrah pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia during the first one and a half months of the current Umrah season.
Earlier figures also showed a 22.5 per cent increase in the number of people entering Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas.
With more pilgrims visiting the country, Saudi authorities have stressed the need for better planning to manage crowds and make it easier for visitors to perform their religious duties.