Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world embark on a sacred journey to Saudi Arabia to fulfill their religious obligation of Hajj. This significant pilgrimage holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims but can also be physically demanding due to the vast distances and crowded holy sites. Recognizing the need for efficient and convenient transportation options, the Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia has introduced an innovative solution: electric scooters.
For the second consecutive year, TGA has provided 1,000 electric scooters as a service to Hajj pilgrims, aiming to enhance their overall experience and facilitate their movement within the holy sites. This initiative builds upon the successful trial service launched during the previous Hajj season, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to continuously improving the transportation options available to pilgrims.
The introduction of e-scooters not only saves time for the pilgrims but also contributes to streamlining their transportation during this spiritually significant period. To ensure the safety of the pilgrims, the authority has designated a dedicated track exclusively for e-scooters, separate from other vehicles and pedestrians. This 2-kilometer track, stretching from Kadana station to the Mahbas Al-Jin tunnel, ultimately leads to Bab Ali station in the Grand Mosque.
Moreover, TGA has established a specialized team responsible for educating and guiding pilgrims on the proper use of e-scooters. By providing this crucial guidance, pilgrims can make the most of the service while ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
The utilization of electric scooters significantly reduces the time required for pilgrims to traverse the distances between holy sites. For example, the journey from Arafat, the site of Hajj’s climax, to Al Muzalifah, where pilgrims collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil, now takes a mere 15 minutes instead of the previously time-consuming 60 minutes. This not only eases physical strain but also allows pilgrims to devote more time to their spiritual reflections and rituals.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome over 2 million pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj season, lifting pandemic-related restrictions, the availability of electric scooters comes as a welcome addition. With no limits on the number of pilgrims from around the world, this year’s Hajj promises to be a truly transformative and memorable experience for all participants.
