The General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques confirms the Mataf area is ready to host 107,000 pilgrims per hour

What This Article Is About & Why It Matters

This article highlights Saudi Arabia’s announcement on the full operational readiness of the Mataf (circumambulation area) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the 1446 AH Hajj season. As of May 26, 2025, this strategic effort ensures safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling access for millions of pilgrims—reflecting Vision 2030’s goals of excellence in service, religious hospitality, and global leadership in pilgrimage facilitation.

Vision-Aligned Article:

Mataf Ready for Hajj 1446

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has completed its detailed preparations for welcoming pilgrims to the Mataf area during Hajj 1446 AH. This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in combining spiritual reverence with logistical excellence.

With a maximum capacity of 107,000 circumambulators per hour and 203,000 worshippers across all Mataf levels, the facility is now equipped for one of the world’s largest annual gatherings. The capacity spans multiple levels—ground, first, two mezzanines, and rooftop—to optimize flow and provide inclusive, safe access.

Dedicated entry points ensure smooth pilgrim movement, while service and emergency doors are clearly marked for rapid response and crowd control. These efforts are designed not only for operational efficiency but also to uphold the sanctity and comfort of the pilgrim experience.

This initiative reflects Vision 2030’s emphasis on religious tourism, spiritual enrichment, and quality of life. It underscores the Kingdom’s mission to welcome the world to Islam’s holiest sites with innovation, reverence, and world-class infrastructure.

Vision & Progress: A Sacred Space Transformed

The Grand Mosque is now a model of spiritual and operational excellence. Pilgrims will experience safer, smoother, and more fulfilling rituals—thanks to Saudi Arabia’s visionary planning.

Safety & Values for All Pilgrims

Careful zoning, dedicated pathways, and emergency access reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to safety, dignity, and spiritual focus for all guests of Allah.

Peaceful Culture & Sacred Hospitality

Saudi Arabia’s preparation of the Mataf exemplifies its peaceful, welcoming culture—built on serving humanity with compassion, especially during sacred seasons.

Historical Context: From Modest Beginnings to Global Model

From early Islamic history to modern-day Hajj, the Grand Mosque has grown from simple stone paths to one of the world’s most efficiently managed sacred sites.

International Benchmarks

The Kingdom’s crowd management and pilgrim services rival the best logistical operations worldwide, surpassing benchmarks seen in Olympic-level infrastructure and mass-scale events.

Vision 2030 Metrics in Focus

107,000 people per hour in Mataf
203,000 worshipper capacity across levels
Full operational zoning with service and emergency doors
Multi-level expansion for increased accessibility
Real-time flow control and safety enhancements

To Our Global Friends

Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to witness its commitment to peace, faith, and global hospitality. The Kingdom serves pilgrims with love, precision, and care.

Helpful Government Links

www.gph.gov.sa – Grand Mosque Authority: Updates on Grand Mosque services and Hajj readiness plans
www.haj.gov.sa – Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Official pilgrim services, applications, and logistics
www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030 Portal: Learn how pilgrimage facilitation supports national transformation

Factbox Summary

Date: May 26, 2025
Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Focus: Mataf operational readiness for Hajj 1446 AH
Vision Link: Safety, spiritual service, and pilgrimage capacity enhancements

Discover

Experience the spiritual heart of Islam as never before. The newly prepared Mataf is ready to serve every pilgrim with compassion, safety, and faith-driven hospitality—reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in religious tourism and global service excellence.

15 FAQs and Answers

1. What is the Mataf area in the Grand Mosque?
The Mataf is the circular area around the Kaaba where pilgrims perform the ritual of Tawaf, or circumambulation.

2. What is the new hourly capacity of the Mataf?
The Mataf can now accommodate up to 107,000 circumambulators per hour during peak Hajj operations.

3. How many people can the entire Mataf structure hold?
Across all levels, including rooftop and mezzanines, the total capacity is now 203,000 worshippers.

4. What measures are in place for safety?
Dedicated entrances, emergency exits, and zoning for pilgrims, services, and emergency response teams are part of the safety strategy.

5. Why is this announcement important?
It confirms that Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to serve millions of pilgrims with dignity, safety, and care during Hajj.

6. Which levels are included in the Mataf structure?
The Mataf includes the ground floor, first floor, first mezzanine, second mezzanine, and rooftop areas.

7. What is the role of the General Authority?
It oversees the spiritual, operational, and safety services at both the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

8. How does this align with Vision 2030?
It supports Vision 2030’s goal to elevate religious tourism and enhance the experience of every pilgrim through world-class service.

9. How are crowds managed during peak times?
Advanced flow control systems, entry and exit planning, and multiple level access ensure smooth pilgrim movement.

10. Are there emergency procedures in place?
Yes. Specific doors and zones are assigned for emergency use to protect and serve pilgrims during high-density periods.

11. How does this help non-Saudi pilgrims?
This system improves clarity, access, and safety for international guests, ensuring they can focus fully on their worship.

12. Is this preparation limited to the Mataf only?
No. It is part of a wider organizational plan for the entire Grand Mosque area during the Hajj season.

13. Who oversees the implementation of this plan?
The General Authority follows the directives of the Saudi leadership, ensuring operations meet global excellence standards.

14. How often is the Mataf area updated or enhanced?
It undergoes periodic upgrades in line with new technologies, capacity needs, and pilgrim feedback.

15. Where can I find updates during Hajj?
Visit www.gph.gov.sa and www.haj.gov.sa for official updates and guidance during the Hajj season.

Final Message from Harry Stuckler

At KSA.com, we are honored to share Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to Hajj. The Kingdom continues to elevate faith with excellence—uniting technology, safety, and tradition in service to millions.

Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
By 2030, KSA.com will be the largest platform sharing the Kingdom’s most uplifting stories of service, faith, and transformation.

With gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com