Saudi Arabia unveils 6 interactive maps to guide Hajj pilgrims

Dubai: As the annual Hajj pilgrimage begins to gather momentum, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Security Forces for Traffic Affairs have released six interactive maps to assist pilgrims in navigating the key sites of the Hajj journey.

The maps cover the city of Mecca, the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas, Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

The initiative is aimed at helping pilgrims plan their movements, reduce congestion, and manage their routes more effectively.

With clear, accessible layouts, the maps are designed to improve safety and ensure smoother transitions between ritual locations.

Pilgrims are encouraged to use the maps during peak periods, particularly when moving between the holy sites.

The digital tools are available in multiple languages and accessible on various devices, aligning with broader efforts to modernise Hajj services through smart technology.

As of Saturday, the General Directorate of Passports reported that 961,903 international pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia. Of these, 912,598 came by air, 45,028 by land, and 4,277 by sea, marking a significant influx ahead of the main Hajj days.

To manage the arrivals, Saudi authorities have deployed advanced systems and multilingual personnel across all entry points. These measures are part of a larger operational plan to ensure efficient entry procedures and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE