Grand Mosque’s massive Ramadan preparations: 5.5 million iftar meals, 20,000 zamzam containers, 400 electric carts

Dubai: As worshippers gather for the holy month of Ramadan, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced an extensive operational plan to accommodate millions of worshippers and pilgrims.

With an expected influx of visitors, the authority has ramped up preparations, unveiling a host of enhanced services and logistical improvements aimed at ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for the faithful.

From the moment they step into the sacred grounds, worshippers will find an environment designed for ease and devotion. Over 5.5 million iftar meals will be served throughout the month, allowing visitors to break their fasts without worry. 

20,000 containers of Zamzam water will be available, ensuring that every pilgrim can access the sacred drink. To accommodate long hours of prayer, 33,000 fresh prayer rugs have been laid out across the mosque’s vast courtyards.

For the elderly and those with mobility challenges, 10,000 hand carts and 400 electric golf carts will help them move seamlessly through the mosque’s grounds. 

A new initiative, five mobile stations for tahallul (ritual completion), will allow pilgrims to cut their hair—an essential step in their spiritual journey—without leaving the mosque, ensuring a smoother experience, even in peak crowds.

These stations will be equipped with mobile barber services to accommodate crowd fluctuations, enhancing accessibility while maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

For the first time, the authority has also implemented a luggage storage and tracking system, comprising two centralized storage hubs and six designated drop-off points at the mosque’s main entrances. This is to streamline baggage handling, ensuring a hassle-free worship experience.

The Grand Mosque will also see a significant expansion in child hospitality services, with three children’s hosting centers set up across its premises. These centers will provide a blend of religious, cultural, and educational activities, allowing parents to engage in worship with peace of mind.

To accommodate the growing number of worshippers engaging in spiritual seclusion (i'tikaf), the mosque will introduce enhanced facilities tailored for those observing the practice. These upgrades include dedicated spaces for reflection, improved service accessibility, and additional guidance resources.

The Ramadan operational plan also prioritizes environmental and infrastructural upgrades, ensuring that key amenities remain fully functional throughout the season.

The authority has carried out comprehensive maintenance on escalators, elevators, ventilation systems, sound systems, and air conditioning units to maintain optimal conditions for worshippers.

A specialized team has also been deployed to monitor and manage weather fluctuations, ensuring immediate response to rainfall and other environmental factors.

To facilitate smoother navigation through the mosque’s expansive premises, hundreds of directional signs have been installed, supplemented by on-ground guidance teams fluent in multiple languages. A newly launched initiative, “Mobile Guides,” will see trained personnel stationed throughout the mosque to assist visitors and answer queries in real-time.

Enhancements to cleaning, sanitization, and fragrance application have also been implemented, with advanced equipment deployed to maintain hygiene across prayer areas, restrooms, and high-traffic zones. Special attention has been given to the continuous availability of cooled and non-cooled Zamzam water at multiple distribution points.

Beyond logistical improvements, the authority has also expanded cultural and educational programming for worshippers. The “First House” exhibition will be held in the mosque’s latest expansion area, showcasing the history of the Kaaba through interactive digital displays and rare artifacts.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa (Kaaba Covering), offering insight into the intricate craftsmanship involved in producing the sacred cloth.

For those seeking knowledge, the mosque’s digital transformation continues to expand. A simple QR code scan will give visitors access to religious texts, prayers, and even instructional videos to guide their spiritual practices.

 Additionally, the “First House” exhibition will offer an interactive journey through the history of the Kaaba, allowing visitors to explore its significance through digital displays and historical artifacts.

Day and night, more than 11,000 personnel are on the ground, carefully managing crowd flow and coordinating with agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful experience for every worshipper.