Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia introduces golf carts for Sa’i at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims during the holy month of Ramzan. This is in a bid to enhance accessibility and ease the pilgrimage experience, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Saudi Arabia has launched this new initiative.
Announced on Wednesday, March 27, the authority stated, “After proving its effectiveness in circumambulation, we are now providing electric golf cart service for Sa’i to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey.” This initiative follows the recent introduction of golf cart services aimed at assisting elderly individuals and people with disabilities during tawaaf, the circumambulation ritual, in the Grand Mosque. Notably, the service has successfully reduced the duration of tawaaf by 50 percent.
Operational during specific hours from 4 pm until 4 am, the golf carts are strategically located at key points within the Grand Mosque premises, including the Ajyad Escalator, King Abdulaziz Gate Escalators, and Bab Al Umrah Escalators. Each cart can accommodate up to 10 passengers and costs 25 Saudi riyals (Rs 555) per ride, including tax.
The launch of this service coincides with the holy month of Ramzan, traditionally a peak season for Umrah pilgrimage. With the introduction of these golf carts, Saudi Arabia aims to further facilitate pilgrims’ journey and ensure a smoother and more inclusive pilgrimage experience.
Every year, millions of Muslims globally embark on the significant pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Hajj, a pillar of Islam, entails a journey to Mecca during Dhu al-Hijjah. Umrah, a smaller pilgrimage, shares similar rituals but can occur year-round. These journeys bear immense spiritual and cultural importance for Muslims worldwide.
