The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a smart guidance initiative, installing 15 interactive signs across the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The authority said the signs are designed to help Umrah performers and visitors navigate the mosque’s facilities more efficiently.
Color-Coded System and QR Code Navigation
Each of the 15 signs uses a color-coded system to help visitors identify routes and locate key facilities within the Grand Mosque. Moreover, every sign includes a QR code that links directly to an interactive digital map of the mosque.
How the Smart Guidance Initiative Works
Visitors can scan the QR code using their smartphones to access the interactive map. As a result, they can pinpoint their current location and navigate between the mosque’s various services and facilities. The authority said the system aims to reduce both effort and travel time for worshippers inside the mosque and its courtyards.
Supporting Crowd Flow During Ramadan
The authority stated that the initiative specifically targets the high-capacity Ramadan season, when visitor numbers at the Grand Mosque reach their peak. Consequently, streamlining crowd movement becomes a priority during this period. The tourism and pilgrimage experience for Umrah performers stands to benefit directly from improved navigation infrastructure.
“These signs use modern technologies to deliver more efficient and seamless services, contributing to reduced effort and time while improving the flow of movement inside the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.”
General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque
Part of a Broader Digital Transformation Effort
The authority said this step forms part of its ongoing efforts to develop guidance services at the Grand Mosque and deploy digital solutions for the benefit of visitors. Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader push toward digital transformation in the management of holy sites in Saudi Arabia. The authority added that the goal is to enhance the quality of the visitor experience while keeping pace with growing demand.
The Grand Mosque in Makkah receives millions of visitors annually, with attendance surging significantly during Ramadan. The 15 interactive signs represent the authority’s latest step in applying technology to manage large-scale visitor flows at one of the world’s most visited religious sites.