Saudi authority reveals quietest hours at the Grand Mosque for Umrah
Saudi authorities have urged Umrah pilgrims to time their visits to the Grand Mosque around periods of lower crowd density, identifying the quietest and busiest hours of the day.
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Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi authorities have urged Umrah pilgrims to time their visits to the Grand Mosque around periods of lower crowd density, identifying the quietest and busiest hours of the day.
Saudi Arabia has introduced updated accommodation regulations and a two-tier classification system for facilities hosting Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah ahead of the 2027 season.
Iran has resumed sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Umrah after a six-month suspension, with 18,000 people scheduled in the first phase and about five million voucher holders still waiting.
Saudi Arabia has clarified that holders of the new year-long multiple-entry Umrah visa must book a fresh Nusuk service package and secure a new permit before every trip.
The Grand Mosque in Makkah has expanded mobility services for elderly pilgrims and people of determination, including rooftop golf carts, slow-paced Tawaf lanes, wheelchairs and round-the-clock volunteer support.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway moved more than 1.16 million passengers across 5,569 trips during the 1447 AH Hajj season, with on-time performance above 98 percent and up to 142 trips on peak days.
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