Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to avoid bringing children to Grand Mosque

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have urged pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the final days of Ramadan not to take young children with them, citing safety concerns amid the massive crowds, Middle East Monitor reports.

The country's Interior Ministry’s National Centre for Security Operations warned of heightened congestion during peak prayer times and advised pilgrims to follow safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

Ramadan, which is expected to end on 29 March this year, marks the busiest period for Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, drawing millions of Muslims worldwide. The final ten days are especially significant, including Laylat Al-Qadr, the night on which the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

To ease concerns, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques highlighted the availability of round-the-clock childcare centres equipped to provide a safe and comfortable environment for children. “Your children are in safe hands,” the agency assured parents, encouraging them to use these facilities while performing their prayers with relative ease.

The influx of worshippers comes as Saudi Arabia unveils the third and largest expansion of the Grand Mosque. Now open to pilgrims, the monumental project blends spiritual serenity with architectural grandeur. It can accommodate over two million worshippers simultaneously and includes expanded courtyards, wider entrances and exits, and advanced crowd control systems.