The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque continues to provide supportive services for people with disabilities at the Grand Mosque through equipped locations tailored to their needs, aiming to facilitate their performance of rituals. As the Grand Mosque is the Qibla for Muslims worldwide, attracting visitors with diverse health conditions, the Authority strives to prepare these locations to meet their needs and ensure their worship is performed with ease and comfort.
Key Services Provided
Special Prayer Areas
Special prayer areas for people with disabilities are equipped with supportive tools to facilitate their rituals. These areas are located near main entrances for easy access and are regularly cleaned and sanitized before and after each prayer.
Men’s Special Prayer Areas
-
King Fahd Expansion - First floor, opposite Gate 91.
-
King Fahd Expansion - First floor, opposite Shubaikah Bridge, Gate 68.
-
Ground floor, next to Shubaikah stairs, Gate 68.
Women’s Special Prayer Areas
-
King Fahd Expansion - Ground floor, Gate 88.
-
King Fahd Expansion - First floor, Gate 65 (Shubaikah).
-
Prayer Area 15 overlooking the Mataf.
-
Southern Courtyard Prayer Area (Ajyad Bridge).
-
Western Courtyard Prayer Area (Shubaikah).
-
Eastern Courtyard Prayer Area.
Supportive Tools
-
Hearing aids for the hearing impaired to use during prayers, sermons, and lessons.
-
Tools for Tayammum (dry ablution).
-
Quran with a reading pen for the elderly.
-
Quran in Braille.
-
Special cane for the visually impaired.
-
Qualified sign language interpreters for translating during sermons, lessons, and Quran circles.
Routes for Wheelchairs and Carts
Main routes for wheelchairs entering the Grand Mosque are designated, such as:
-
Ajyad Bridge in the western courtyard leading to the first floor of the Mataf.
-
Shubaikah Bridge near Gate 64.
-
Route to Marwah through the eastern courtyards.
-
Several escalators and elevators equipped with guiding signs and symbols to facilitate movement, along with designated routes for special prayer areas.
Doors Equipped with Ramps
Eight doors are equipped with ramps to facilitate entry and exit for people with visual and physical disabilities, featuring clear Braille signs. These doors include (68, 74, 79, 84, 89, 90, 93, 94). Special bridges such as Ajyad, Shubaikah, Marwah, and Arqam are also equipped to ease movement within the Grand Mosque.
The Authority continues its efforts to provide a comfortable and safe environment for visitors with special needs and the elderly, ensuring they can perform their worship with ease and tranquility.