Only one Umrah allowed during last 10 Ramadan days

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new guidelines for pilgrims during the last ten days of Ramadan. Millions are expected to visit Mecca, and the Ministry wants to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. Pilgrims are advised to secure Umrah permits in advance and to arrive at specific times to reduce crowding at the Grand Mosque. The Ministry encourages visitors to perform Umrah only once during this busy period. They are also advised to pray at mosques throughout Mecca instead of all inside the Haram, which should help reduce pressure on the holy site. To help manage the large number of pilgrims, public transportation is strongly recommended. Authorities urge people to avoid blocking passageways and stairwells to ensure everyone can move freely. The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque is fully prepared for the influx of visitors. They have a plan for sanitation, crowd control, and improving accessibility. Thousands of staff and equipment have been deployed to keep the area clean and provide essential services like water and prayer areas. The Authority can now clean the entire mosque in just 35 minutes and conducts more than 20 rounds of perfuming daily. They have equipped the site with numerous escalators, elevators, and electric speakers, along with powerful cooling systems. Special services for the elderly and disabled have been prioritized, including dedicated prayer areas and a 24/7 childcare center. New arrangements have also been made for itikaf, a spiritual retreat during the final nights, and a digital platform for transportation reservations has been introduced to help pilgrims navigate the city more easily.