The Grand Mosque in Makkah has entered a new phase of transformation. After years of steady expansion and construction, the site now stands fully renewed, organized, accessible, and ready for the millions who arrive throughout the year. The new facilities in Haram Makkah for 2025 mark the most advanced stage of modernization and bring together engineering precision, smart systems, and services designed for pilgrims.
Completion of the King Abdullah Expansion Project
In March 2025, the long-awaited King Abdullah Third Expansion Project officially concluded, completing a transformation nearly 15 years in the making.
The Grand Mosque’s total area has expanded from 414,000 square meters to 1.56 million square meters, accommodating over 2.5 million worshippers during peak seasons.
The number of restrooms has increased to 16,726, ablution facilities now total 12,639, and the prayer area has doubled to 912,000 square meters. These improvements form the foundation for everything new taking shape in Masjid Al-Haram.
Smart Systems and Technological Innovation
AI-Driven Pilgrim Support
Artificial intelligence is now part of the Haram. The Manara robot, equipped with a 21-inch screen and 11-language support, connects worshippers to scholars for religious guidance and Fatwas.
Over 6,000 cameras powered by AI track real-time crowd movement, helping authorities manage flow and prevent congestion during Tawaf and prayers.
At the same time, the Al-Maqraa platform allows Quranic learning in 10 languages using AI translation. It is one of several steps that make worship and education accessible to everyone.
Smart Comfort Systems
The Haram now operates under the world’s largest cooling network, maintaining indoor temperatures around 22°C even during the summer.
Two main stations, Shamiya and Ajyad, circulate 155,000 tons of refrigeration power through air-purifying vents that remove up to 95% of airborne impurities.
Every inch of comfort is engineered to ensure that pilgrims focus on worship, not heat or fatigue.
New Facilities for Pilgrims
Golf Cart Tawaf Service
A new golf cart system now operates around the upper levels of the Mataf area, allowing elderly pilgrims, parents with infants, and those unable to walk long distances to perform Tawaf comfortably for 100 SAR per person.
Free Umrah Completion Assistance
A free Umrah completion service is now available for men and women who are unable to finish their rites due to age, health, or exhaustion. Volunteers trained by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques ensure no pilgrim is left behind in fulfilling their worship.
Cooling Sprayers and Climate Stations
New water sprayers have been installed along key pathways leading into the Haram, providing mist cooling for pilgrims moving between prayer times.
Combined with the shaded corridors and efficient airflow, these features create a more comfortable experience during peak heat hours.
Practical Upgrades Across the Mosque
Zamzam and Shoe Systems
Technology has made even simple acts easier. New Zamzam water dispensers automatically refill bottles without physical contact, maintaining hygiene and saving time.
At the entrances, automatic shoe cover machines and biodegradable shoe bag dispensers have been added, keeping prayer areas clean and organized.
Improved Signage
Clear, illuminated signs in Arabic and English now guide pilgrims across the vast complex. Gate numbers, ablution directions, and medical zones are easier to locate. This is a major improvement for first-time visitors navigating the world’s largest mosque.
Hijr Ismail Updated Timings
The Hateem, also known as Hijr Ismail, is the crescent-shaped area adjacent to the Holy Kabah on its northwestern side. It is considered a sacred part of the Kaaba, as it was originally part of its structure. The sanctity of this area is confirmed by the words of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, who said, “Pray in Hijr Ismail (or Hateem) when you wish to enter the Kabah, for it is part of the Kabah.”
Therefore, praying inside the Hateem is considered equivalent to praying inside the Kaaba itself. Because it is part of the Sacred House, pilgrims performing Tawaf must go around the Hateem and are not permitted to pass through it, as doing so would make their circumambulation incomplete.
Opening Times and Access
To manage the flow of pilgrims, the Hateem is opened to the public during specific, gender-segregated hours.
- For men: 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- For women: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Pilgrims can enter from the Western side of the area.
How to Maximize Your Experience?
Access to this sacred space is highly managed, and pilgrims are generally allowed only 10 minutes inside. To make the most of this precious opportunity, it is advised to arrive early and be present near the Hateem area before its official opening time. It is crucial to stay respectful and fully adhere to the instructions given by the authorities. Given the limited time, stay focused on your prayer and supplication to make the most of your moments inside.
Nusuk Care Centers and Pilgrim Services
Around the Haram, several Nusuk Care Centers have opened to support pilgrims using the Nusuk platform, offering help with eVisas, bookings, and guidance.
The centers are part of Saudi Arabia’s digital push to make pilgrimage services available through both app and human assistance. This aligns with new travel reforms allowing tourist visa holders to perform Umrah, broadening accessibility for international visitors.
Healthcare and Accessibility Enhancements
24-Hour Clinic and Medical Support
A new clinic at Souk Al-Khalil (Bin Dawood entrance) operates 24 hours with doctors on standby. The design provides quick access to medical care during emergencies, ensuring that medical staff give pilgrims immediate attention near the mosque.
Facilities for People with Disabilities
The Grand Mosque now includes six dedicated prayer rooms for people with disabilities, free and electric wheelchair services, and ramped gates for easier access.
Specific gates (including 68, 74, 79, 84, 89, 90, 93, and 94) have been designated to provide smoother movement and crowd control.
Shops, Signs, and the Changing Faces
Surrounding the Haram, the transformation continues.
Bin Dawood Dash Stores and a new Panda Super Mart offer quick, affordable shopping within walking distance.
Visitors will also notice a new “Makkah” sign glowing behind Dar Al-Tawhid, and an “I ❤️ Makkah” installation.
Fatwa Phones and Real-Time Guidance
Pilgrims can now access Fatwa phone lines across the mosque with direct communication channels to scholars available in multiple languages. This service complements AI-powered guidance systems and ensures that religious questions are answered quickly and accurately.
Sustainability and Smart Maintenance
Even the carpets inside the mosque have become smart. Around 25,000 prayer mats are now embedded with RFID chips that track cleaning cycles and placement.
Smart lighting, automated cleaning systems, and real-time air monitoring keep the Haram operating efficiently while minimizing environmental impact..
Building Comfort Around Faith
The new facilities in Haram Makkah in 2025 reflect a clear vision where modern engineering, AI systems, and compassionate services coexist in the service of pilgrims.
From golf carts circling the Kaaba to smart cooling beneath the marble floors, the transformation represents not just modernization, but consideration. It’s a reminder that faith doesn’t stand still. It evolves, with every improvement made to make worship easier, safer, and more inclusive for all.
FAQs
What are the new facilities in Haram Makkah 2025?
They include the completion of the King Abdullah Expansion, AI robots for guidance, golf cart Tawaf, free Umrah completion service, cooling sprayers, new signage, and Zamzam dispensers.
How has accessibility improved in Masjid Al-Haram?
Dedicated prayer rooms, electric wheelchairs, ramps, and smart gates now ensure smoother access for elderly and disabled worshippers.
Can tourists perform Umrah now?
Yes. As of 2025, tourists holding valid visas can perform Umrah through the Nusuk platform.
What are the smart technologies in Haram Makkah?
AI-driven crowd management, multilingual Fatwa robots, RFID carpets, smart cooling, and automated cleaning systems are part of the modernization efforts.
How does Vision 2030 influence Haram Makkah developments?
Vision 2030 aims to enhance the pilgrim experience through innovation, infrastructure, and accessibility, ensuring Makkah remains both sacred and future-ready.
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