To ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims the Saudi Government has banned the entry of strollers in the Mataf area. The government has introduced several policies ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024.
Saudi Arabia has recently put a ban on strollers for children on the ground floor of the Mataf, the area surrounding the Holy Kaaba where pilgrims perform circumambulation.
This decision comes from the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to enhance safety and manage the crowds at this sacred site.
The authorities have clarified that while strollers are prohibited on the ground floor of Mataf, they are still allowed in specific areas within the Grand Mosque in Makkah, such as the upper floors of Mataf.
Strollers can also be used in the Mas’a, the running area between Safa and Marwa, via the King Fahd Expansion Area, unless the floors are too crowded.
It is important to note that this ban is a part of the preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024. Around 2 million Hajj pilgrims are expected in June for this sacred occasion.
As per the Saudi government, these rules have been made to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and provide them with the best level of comfort particularly during the Hajj and the Umrah seasons.
Additionally, the Saudi Government has signed agreements with several countries. The agreement aims to facilitate the pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah.
To enhance the experience of pilgrims and ensure a proper resource allocation plan it has been decided to divide Masjid Al Haram into coded zones.
The Holy Kaaba in Makkah holds significant importance amongst the Muslims. Individuals from all over the world visit to pray and perform Umrah and Hajj.
As per reports Saudi Arabia successfully hosted more than 2 million Hajj pilgrims in the year 2023 and more than 13 million pilgrims for Umrah indicating the release of social distancing restrictions
As Saudi Arabia starts to prepare for the upcoming pilgrimage season 2024, these measures underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and security of worshippers while facilitating a smooth and meaningful religious experience.
