Free luggage storage offered at Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Cairo: Saudi authorities have announced the provision of a free luggage storage service at the Grand Mosque in Mecca for Muslims arriving in the Kingdom to perform Umrah, the minor pilgrimage.

The Saudi General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has designated two locations for this service in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site. These locations are situated in the eastern courtyard next to the Mecca Library and the western courtyard.

The state agency has outlined rules for pilgrims to benefit from this service. These include presenting the Umrah permit issued via the Nusuk app. Additionally, the stored luggage must not contain prohibited materials or valuables.

The storage period is limited to a maximum of four hours, with only bags allowed. Storing food or medicine is prohibited.

Furthermore, the weight of each bag must not exceed 7 kilograms. Pilgrims are also required to present the delivery card to retrieve their luggage.

The Authority plans to increase the number of luggage storage sites to cover all access points to the Grand Mosque, aiming to enable worshippers to perform their rituals comfortably.

The current Umrah season, which runs year-round, began in late June following the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.