Saudi Arabia has launched a digital platform for visitors to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, giving worshippers an interactive map, live crowd monitoring and real-time updates on prayer area occupancy. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque announced the service, which is available through the authority's website.
According to the authority, the platform lets visitors plan their trip in advance and navigate the mosque more efficiently. It provides access to information and services both before and during a visit, as part of an effort to improve the overall visitor experience and raise the quality of digital services at the two holy mosques.
What the platform offers
The service brings several features together in one place. An interactive map of the Prophet's Mosque gives up-to-date information on facilities and service locations, helping visitors move around the site more easily. A live crowd monitoring service covers the route used to offer salutations to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, allowing worshippers to check congestion levels before heading to the Rawdah and the greeting area.
A real-time prayer occupancy service helps visitors identify the most suitable time and location for prayers. The platform also includes a visitor services portal, the Manarat Al-Haramain platform, a worshipper's guide and a children's hospitality centre. Together, these tools are designed to let pilgrims prepare before they arrive rather than making decisions in crowded conditions.
Part of a wider digital push
The launch fits a pattern of technology rollouts across the two holy mosques. In recent months, authorities have introduced a live crowd-tracking service for Grand Mosque pilgrims and a smart navigation system to ease movement inside Makkah's Al-Masjid Al-Haram. The Prophet's Mosque platform extends the same approach to Madinah, where demand to visit the Rawdah, one of the most sought-after spots in the mosque, regularly exceeds capacity.
The authority said the initiative supports Saudi Arabia's digital transformation strategy by improving access to services and enriching the experience of visitors. The tools are intended to complement, not replace, the existing permit systems that manage access to the Rawdah and greeting area.
Why it helps pilgrims
Crowding is one of the biggest challenges for visitors to Madinah, particularly those hoping to pray in the Rawdah. Being able to check congestion levels and prayer occupancy in advance can help pilgrims choose quieter times, avoid long waits and reduce the stress of navigating an unfamiliar and busy site. For elderly visitors and families with children, the interactive map and hospitality services can make the visit smoother.
Practical tips
Visitors to Madinah should check the authority's website before setting out, and use the live crowd monitoring service to time their visit to the Rawdah and greeting area. Reviewing the interactive map ahead of time helps in locating gates, prayer areas and facilities. Pilgrims should still obtain any required Rawdah permit through the Nusuk application, as the new platform provides information and guidance but does not remove the need for booked permits. Families travelling with young children can note the location of the children's hospitality centre in advance.