The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have developed a comprehensive official guide to traveling and staying in Makkah City during the last 10 days (last Ashra) of Ramadan 2026. It is a comprehensive framework designed to facilitate a seamless spiritual experience for the “Guests of Allah” in Makkah. This document synthesizes key logistical, religious, and historical information to assist visitors in navigating the city effectively.

• Integrated Mobility: Access to Makkah is supported by a multi-modal transport network including the Haramain High-Speed Railway, the Makkah Bus system, and dedicated shuttle services.
• Digital Integration: The journey is supported by digital platforms such as Nusuk and Tawakkalna, which provide essential services, real-time density maps, and emergency support.

Official Guide in English

Official Guide in Arabic

Transportation and City Access

Travel to and within Makkah is organized into a tiered system to accommodate different arrival points and visitor needs.

External and Inter-City Travel

• Air Travel: Visitors arriving via airports can transition to Makkah using buses, taxis, or the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
• Haramain High-Speed Railway: A fast transit option connecting Makkah to key stations in Jeddah and Madinah.

Urban Transit Systems

Service Type	Description
Makkah Bus	A network of designated stops and clear routes throughout the city, allowing visitors to plan journeys in advance.
Shuttle Transport	Dedicated routes connecting specific districts (Al-Ma’abdah, Al-Shasha, Al-Malawi, Ajyad Hotels, Al-Misfalah, Al-Hijrah) to Masjid Al-Haram.
Makkah Taxi	Guided transport services available for personalized movement.
Walking	Practical for those staying in areas in close proximity to the Holy Mosque.

Parking and Access Stations

To manage traffic, Makkah utilizes a system of external and internal parking lots linked by transit stations:

• External Parking: Al-Shara’i, Al-Laith, Al-Zaidi, Al-Nawwariyah, and Al-Hada.
• Internal Parking/Stations: Kudai, Al-Rusaifah, and Prince Mutaib.
• Access Stations at Masjid Al-Haram: Including Jarwal Station, Bab Ali Station, Sha’ab Amer Station, and Ajyad Al-Masafi Station.

Notable Mosques within the Haram Boundaries:

• Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Baz Mosque (Al-Aziziyah)
• Aisha Al-Rajhi Mosque (Al-Naseem)
• Princess Hessa Al-Sudairi Mosque (Al-Rusaifah)
• Sheikh Abdullah Al-Suraie Mosque (Al-Batha)
• Abdul Qader Naseer Mosque (Al-Iskan)
• Sheikh Hamad Al-Thani Mosque (Al-Aziziyah)

The Umrah Journey

Umrah is described as a journey of purification. Key services provided within Masjid Al-Haram to enhance this experience include:

• Live Density Maps: Real-time data for Tawaf and Sa’i areas to avoid overcrowding.
• Golf Cart Reservations: Available for those needing assistance during Tawaf and Sa’i.
• Gate Access: Primary entry points include King Abdulaziz Gate, King Abdullah Gate, Al-Fath Gate, Umrah Gate, and King Fahd Gate.

Accommodation and Essential Services

Lodging Categories

Visitors can choose accommodation based on proximity and budget:

1. Close Proximity: Hotels near Masjid Al-Haram, suited for minimal movement but generally higher priced during peak seasons.
2. Farther Distance: Balanced cost options relying on bus or car access.
3. Group Accommodation: Packages often included in “Nusuk” bundles through Umrah service providers.

Healthcare and Safety

• Medical Support: A network of hospitals and health centers is distributed across Makkah.
• Emergency Contact Numbers:
  • 911: Unified Emergency Number.
  • 937: Ministry of Health Unified Number.
  • 1966: Pilgrim Care Center (Nusuk Care Center).

Strategic Guidance for Visitors

To ensure a smooth visit, the following protocols are recommended:

1. Location Management: Immediately save accommodation locations on digital maps and identify nearby landmarks.
2. Route Planning: Determine transportation methods and routes (Bus, Taxi, or Shuttle) before departing.
3. Time Management: Allow extra time for travel during peak hours, particularly around prayer times when density at Masjid Al-Haram entrances is highest.
4. Digital Tools: Utilize the Nusuk app for trip planning and service packages, and Tawakkalna for official digital government services.

Q&A

1. What primary modes of transport are available for visitors traveling to Makkah? Visitors can reach Makkah via air travel, railways, buses, and taxis. Upon arrival at the airport, onward travel is typically completed using buses, taxis, or the Haramain High-Speed Railway, depending on the visitor’s timing and arrival point.
2. How does the Haramain High-Speed Railway facilitate travel for pilgrims? This railway serves as a practical and fast option for moving between Makkah and key stations such as Jeddah and Madinah. It is a critical component of the integrated transportation network designed to streamline the movement of pilgrims.
3. What are the three main categories of accommodation described for visitors in Makkah? Visitors can choose from hotels in close proximity to Masjid Al-Haram (higher priced/minimal movement), hotels farther away (balanced cost/reliant on shuttle transport), or group accommodations provided through Umrah service providers like Nusuk.
4. According to the guide, what is the spiritual reward for praying within Masjid Al-Haram? Prayer within Masjid Al-Haram is believed to be rewarded with the equivalent of 100,000 prayers, by the will of Allah. This immense reward highlights the spiritual importance of the site during the Umrah journey.
5. Which digital platforms are recommended for planning and government services? The “Nusuk” platform is used for trip planning, guidance, and service packages, while “Tawakkalna” serves as the official digital platform for various government-related services. Both are essential tools for a modern, integrated visitor experience.
6. What are the three essential emergency and care contact numbers provided for visitors? The essential numbers include 911 for unified emergencies, 937 for the Ministry of Health, and 1966 for the Nusuk Care Center or Pilgrim Care Center.
7. What specific guidance does the document offer regarding arrival and navigation in crowded areas? Visitors are advised to save their accommodation location on a map with a nearby landmark and to determine their transportation route before leaving. Additionally, they should allow extra time during peak hours, such as prayer times, when the density of crowds at Masjid Al-Haram is highest.

Glossary of Key Terms

Term	Definition
Haramain High-Speed Railway	A fast railway service connecting Makkah with Jeddah and Madinah.
Hijrah	The pivotal migration of Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq from Makkah to Madinah.
Jabal Al-Noor	“The Mountain of Light,” home to the Cave of Hira where the first Qur’anic revelation occurred.
Masjid Al-Haram	The Great Mosque in Makkah, the most sacred site in Islam, containing the Kaaba.
Mount Thawr	The mountain containing the cave where the Prophet and Abu Bakr took shelter during the Hijrah.
Nusuk	An official platform and service provider offering trip planning, guidance, and integrated service packages for pilgrims.
Sa’i	One of the ritual acts of Umrah, involving walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (often mentioned alongside Tawaf).
Tawaf	The ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba; the guide provides live density maps for this area.
Tawakkalna	A government digital platform providing essential services and information for residents and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah	A spiritual journey and act of worship performed within the sacred precincts of Masjid Al-Haram to purify the heart.