Mecca — Umm Al-Qura — The holiest city in Islam

عن المدينة

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam and the direction of prayer for 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It is home to the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), the largest mosque in the world, which surrounds the Kaaba — the cube-shaped structure towards which Muslims pray. Located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, Mecca attracts over 15 million pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city.

اللغة

Arabic

العملة

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

فارق التوقيت

+1 hour (from Cairo)

أفضل موسم

Winter (October — March)

وقت الطيران

~2 hours from Cairo

عدد السكان

2M+ residents (10M+ during Hajj season)

أبرز المعالم السياحية

ديني

المسجد الحرام

أكبر مسجد في العالم وأكثره قداسةً، يتسع لأكثر من 4 ملايين مصلٍّ في آنٍ واحد

ديني

الكعبة المشرفة

بيت الله الحرام وقبلة المسلمين، يطوف حولها الحجاج والمعتمرون سبعة أشواط

ديني

بئر زمزم

المياه المباركة التي ظهرت لسيدنا إسماعيل عليه السلام، لا تنضب منذ آلاف السنين

تاريخي

جبل عرفات

الركن الأعظم من أركان الحج، حيث يقف الحجاج يوم عرفة في مشهد روحاني مهيب

تاريخي

جبل النور وغار حراء

المكان الذي نزل فيه أول وحي قرآني على النبي محمد ﷺ

تاريخي

منى والجمرات

منطقة رمي الجمرات ومقر قضاء معظم ليالي الحج، تتسع لملايين الحجاج

معلم

برج ساعة مكة

أحد أعلى أبراج العالم وأكبر ساعة فيه، يُشرف مباشرةً على المسجد الحرام

تسوق

مجمع أبراج البيت

مركز تجاري ضخم على بُعد خطوات من المسجد الحرام، يضم فنادق ومطاعم وأسواقاً

نصائح السفر

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Ihram & Rituals

You must wear Ihram garments before crossing the Miqat. Men wear white seamless cloth; women wear modest regular clothes. Learn the Umrah rites (Tawaf, Sa'i, Halq/Taqsir) before traveling. Consult a knowledgeable guide.

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Weather & Clothing

Mecca has a hot, arid climate all year. Temperatures can reach 45°C in summer. The best time to visit is winter (October-March) when temperatures are milder. Bring lightweight cotton clothing, a sun umbrella, and stay well hydrated.

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Zamzam Water

Zamzam water is freely available throughout the Grand Mosque and surrounding areas. You can take reasonable quantities as gifts. Bottled Zamzam is sold in many shops. Drink with intention and supplication — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Zamzam is for what it is drunk for."

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Transport & Getting Around

Mecca's Holy Sites buses run free during Hajj season. Taxis, Uber and Careem are widely available. The electric train links Mecca with holy sites. Staying near the Grand Mosque saves significant travel time.

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Food & Restaurants

Mecca is full of Arabic, Pakistani, Turkish and Egyptian restaurants. Popular dishes include Kabsa, grilled meats and Mandi. International chains like KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut are found near the Grand Mosque. Eating early is advised to avoid crowded peak hours.

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Connectivity & Internet

Saudi carriers (STC, Mobily, Zain) offer excellent coverage. Temporary SIM cards are available at the airport at reasonable prices. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. The official "Nusuk" app is essential for all pilgrims.

نوع التأشيرة Umrah / Hajj Visa

الرسوم Varies by package

المدة 30 days (renewable)

المعالجة 3 to 7 business days

الموقع visa.mofa.gov.sa

Entry to Mecca is restricted to Muslims only