MAKKAH — The Grand Mosque in Makkah received on Friday several batches of pilgrims, who arrived from Mina to perform the Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf), before heading to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah or to their home. The pilgrims were seen in a spiritually elevated and euphoric mood after completing their lifetime spiritual journey. After performing the stoning rituals, pilgrims in a hurry swiftly proceeded to the Grand Mosque to perform Tawaf Al-Wida, the last obligatory ritual of Hajj. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque effectively streamlined pedestrian traffic across the Mataf courtyard and upper prayer floors to ensure a safe, organized, and tranquil completion of the Tawaf ritual. The authority started implementing operational and field plans to manage pilgrims’ movement during Tawaf Al-Wida. Its preparations include deploying field teams across corridors, courtyards, and entrances to guide pilgrims to designated Tawaf routes and provide guidance and assistance services. The authority provided Zamzam water points and drinking stations throughout the Grand Mosque, in addition to electric and manual cart services for elderly pilgrims, persons with disabilities, and those requiring assistance. The authority has also completed preparations to receive pilgrims arriving to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah after completing Hajj rituals. The operational plan focused on preparing the Prophet’s Mosque and all facilities to receive pilgrims in a safe and well-equipped environment.Preparations included opening 141 gates in the men’s and women’s sections. Entry movement is also being organized through 100 pathways supervised by specialists in guidance and crowd organization.
