Makkah – Saudi Arabia – Alrehla
Smartphones have become practical navigation tools for visitors to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, following the introduction of interactive digital maps capable of generating more than 100,000 routes between landmarks and facilities.

Complemented by electronic services displaying real-time crowd density in the Tawaf and Sa’i areas, the technology helps pilgrims navigate the Two Holy Mosques using updated location information and operational guidance.

These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance the pilgrimage and Umrah experience while improving visitor mobility in high-density areas.

950 Landmarks and Facilities Mapped
The interactive mapping system features more than 950 points of interest, including entrances, prayer areas, restrooms, elevators, service centres and information desks, alongside major religious landmarks.
The platform can generate more than 100,000 dynamic routes, with navigation guidance updated to reflect operational changes, crowd movements and temporary closures.

More than 650 QR codes also provide direct access to the maps, allowing visitors to navigate the facilities using their smartphones without downloading an additional application.
Real-Time Crowd Monitoring in Tawaf and Sa’i Areas
On July 17, 2026, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced an electronic service providing live crowd-density indicators for the Tawaf and Sa’i areas.

The service allows pilgrims to check congestion levels and identify less crowded routes based on updated information.
The digital tools complement on-site guidance services and interactive information screens installed throughout the Two Holy Mosques.

Digital Transformation Led by the Holy Mosques Authority
Engineer Ghazi bin Dhafer Al-Shahrani, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, inaugurated the interactive mapping system in February 2026, highlighting its contribution to improved wayfinding, visitor safety and access to updated operational information.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Saqr, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Digital Transformation, explained that the maps rely on field data and integrate with a metric addressing system and colour-coded location identification.
The services also include accessible routes for people with disabilities, identifying elevators and facilities designed to accommodate their needs.

Alrehla Perspective | How Can Pilgrims Use the Service?
Pilgrims and visitors can access the official platform at alharamain.gov.sa and select the interactive map for their chosen mosque. Alternatively, they can scan designated QR codes displayed at various locations.
Available in seven languages, the maps allow users to identify their location, select a destination and view an appropriate route.
Before entering the Tawaf or Sa’i areas, visitors can also consult the crowd-density indicators while continuing to follow on-site instructions, particularly when entrances are temporarily closed or routes are changed.

The Story in Numbers
- 100,000+: Dynamic navigation routes the system can generate.
- 950+: Landmarks and service facilities covered.
- 650+: QR codes providing access to digital guidance.
- 7 languages: Available through the interactive maps.
- 13 service categories: Included in the official launch announcement.
- February 2026: Launch of the interactive mapping system.
- July 2026: Introduction of real-time crowd-density monitoring for Tawaf and Sa’i.