New Facilities for Umrah Pilgrims in Makkah

As the spiritual heart of the Islamic world, Makkah is undergoing a historic transformation to better serve the millions of faithful who arrive for Umrah. In 2026, the Saudi government has introduced a suite of modern facilities and digital solutions designed to ensure that your journey is not only spiritually fulfilling but also seamless and comfortable.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning for another pilgrimage, here is a detailed look at the new facilities and services awaiting you in Makkah.

1. The King Salman Gate: A New Gateway to the Haram

One of the most significant urban developments in recent history is the King Salman Gate project. Announced in late 2025, this project is more than just an entrance; it is a massive 12-million-square-meter complex designed to serve as the primary gateway for Umrah pilgrims.

What the King Salman Gate Offers:

Massive Prayer Capacity: The complex includes indoor prayer halls and expansive outdoor courtyards that can accommodate approximately 900,000 worshippers at once.

Integrated Hospitality: It will house a variety of four and five-star hotels, luxury residences, and commercial spaces.

Direct Access: Strategically located to connect the Ajyad and Ibrahim Khalil areas, providing direct and easy access to Al-Masjid Al-Haram.

Cultural Restoration: The project includes the restoration of heritage zones, blending modern infrastructure with Makkah’s rich history.

2. Smart Infrastructure and AI Integration

Technology is now at the forefront of the Umrah experience. The Grand Mosque has been equipped with AI-driven systems to manage the unprecedented flow of visitors.

Digital Assistance and Crowd Control

3. Enhanced Mobility and Accessibility

For the elderly, families with children, and pilgrims with disabilities, new mobility solutions have been implemented to ensure inclusivity.

Golf Cart Tawaf Service: A dedicated golf cart system now operates on the upper levels of the Mataf. For approximately 100 SAR, pilgrims can perform Tawaf comfortably.

Electric Shuttles: A 25% increase in the fleet of green electric shuttles connects major transport hubs to the Haram gates, with wait times reduced to just 5 minutes.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Enhanced ramps, elevators, and dedicated pathways for wheelchairs now circle the Kaaba and lead to the Sa'i area.

Smart Wristbands: New smart bands for pilgrims feature location trackers, SOS buttons, and health monitoring parameters.

4. Advanced Climate and Comfort Systems

Makkah’s heat can be intense, but new cooling technologies have been integrated to keep worshippers refreshed.

Note: The new misting systems and automated cooling beneath the marble floors have successfully reduced the ambient temperature in key pathways, making the walk to the Mosque much more bearable during peak heat hours.

Key Comfort Upgrades:

Motorized Glass Domes: Twelve massive glass domes in the third expansion open automatically to provide natural ventilation when weather permits.

Cooling Sprayers: High-tech mist sprayers have been installed along all major outdoor pathways leading to the mosque.

Expanded Ablution Areas: The number of restrooms has increased to over 16,000, with expanded and modernized ablution (Wudu) facilities.

5. Safety and Family-Centric Services

The safety of the youngest pilgrims is now a top priority through new identification initiatives.

Child Safety Initiatives

The General Authority has launched Identification Bracelets for children. These are available at King Abdulaziz Gate and King Fahd Gate. They contain the guardian’s contact details, ensuring that any child separated from their family can be reunited quickly.

Health and Support

24/7 Medical Clinics: A new 24-hour clinic is now operational at Souk Al-Khalil (near the Bin Dawood entrance).

Luggage & Storage: Secure luggage storage facilities and dedicated shoe-locker systems with biodegradable bags are available at major entrances.

Free Shaving Service: Located at the Sa'i exit for male pilgrims completing their rituals.

6. Visa and Package Regulations for 2026

To ensure quality service, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has streamlined the visa process while tightening regulations on service providers.

Visa Duration: The Umrah visa is now valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Mandatory Pre-booking: Visas are now linked to confirmed hotel and transport bookings through the Nusuk platform.

Professional Standards: In early 2026, the Ministry suspended over 1,800 foreign agencies for failing to meet service quality standards, ensuring that only reliable operators remain in the market.

Next Step: Would you like me to create a personalized checklist for your 2026 Umrah trip based on these new facilities?

New Amenities for Umrah Pilgrims

This video provides a detailed overview of the updated 2026 Umrah policies, including the new Nusuk-approved hotel requirements and transportation regulations essential for every pilgrim.