Supporting services are an essential part of the integrated experience offered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the guests of Allah during their spiritual journey to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. These services aim to meet the daily needs of pilgrims and ensure their comfort during the rituals by providing shopping centers, restaurants, barber shops, and Zamzam water shops, in addition to modern applications and technologies that facilitate access to these services.
Shopping centers are scattered around the Two Holy Mosques to meet the needs of pilgrims and Umrah performers for basic necessities and souvenirs in Mecca. The Abraj Al-Bait complex is one of the prominent shopping destinations, offering a variety of global and local stores, in addition to pharmacies and specialty stores for Hajj supplies. Al-Azizia Market is famous for its reasonable prices and diverse products, while Al-Hijaz Markets offer a wide range of clothing and electronics. In Medina, Al-Noor Mall offers many stores and international restaurants, while Qurban Markets and Qeba Market are known for their traditional products and Islamic gifts.
Restaurants and cafes are widely available to cater to various tastes. In Mecca, international restaurants such as McDonald’s and Al-Baik are available near the Haram, along with restaurants offering traditional local dishes such as Kabsa and Mandi. In Medina, diverse restaurants can be found near the Prophet’s Mosque offering fast food and local dishes like Muttabaq and Madfoon. Pilgrims and Umrah performers are advised to choose restaurants known for their cleanliness and to opt for light meals to maintain their energy while performing the rituals.
Shaving is one of the essential rites of purification, and therefore, licensed and equipped barber shops are widely available to serve the pilgrims. In Mecca, barber salons are located near the Masjid Al-Haram, especially in the Al-Azizia and Al-Shasha neighborhoods, in addition to designated areas in Mina after the Jamaraat ritual. For safety and health, it is recommended to choose clean and licensed establishments and avoid dealing with unlicensed barbers.
Zamzam water represents one of the greatest blessings that pilgrims and Umrah performers are keen to acquire. To facilitate access to it, official entities like the King Abdullah Project for Zamzam Water provide accredited centers for distributing pure and packaged water according to the highest quality standards. The main centers are located near the Masjid Al-Haram, and distribution points are also available in Medina near the Prophet’s Mosque. For quality assurance, visitors are advised to avoid purchasing Zamzam water from street vendors.
Modern technologies significantly enhance the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers. Pilgrims can benefit from applications like “Talabat” to order food from nearby restaurants, and use mapping applications like “Google Maps” to easily locate markets and restaurants. Health guidelines are clearly displayed in restaurants and barber shops to ensure high hygiene standards, providing visitors with comfort and confidence while using these services.
These supporting services combine comfort and organization, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing an integrated experience that enables guests of Allah to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
