Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of God Be upon Him) were both born in the Holy City of Makkah (Mecca). Muslims from all over the world travel to Makkah to perform the Hajj and Umrah and to see the Holy Sites since it is the Holiest City for Muslims. Millions of Muslims go to Mecca every year for the hajj pilgrimage, which is required of all Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so, and the Umrah, a smaller but still recommended pilgrimage.
There are several Things to do in Masjid-al-Haram and Makkah houses lots of amazing holy places to explore. It includes some of the most popular sites and the most remarkable architectures in the world.
Haram Mosque, one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Mecca, often known as the grand mosque, is located in the heart of Mecca. Within the mosque are the Zamzam sacred well and the Kaaba. Every Muslim offers the namaz, or daily prayer, while facing the Kaaba, wherever they may be. And Zamzam is considered by Muslims to be the most sacred water on earth. The old, old city makes up the mosque’s structure. The large mosque is constrained in the east and west by the presence of mountains but extends to the north and south-west. The mosque is surrounded by a number of towering hotels, enhancing the city’s friendliness.
The spiritual trip becomes all the more wonderful if you can take some time out to visit holy places during Umrah in Mecca. There are numerous places in Mecca and Madinah that are worth visiting. Out of the many here are the top points of attraction that one must see.
Since it is the first Qibla for Muslims, it secures first place in top Things to do in Masjid-al-Haram. The Kaaba, one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning and beloved landmarks, is also known as the House of Allah. Because the Kaaba is home to a black stone that Muslims believe was once white but has now become black after absorbing the sins of millions of pilgrims over the years, Muslims from all over the globe travel there to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
You can see that as pilgrims arrive in Mecca, they gather in the courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram around the Kaaba. They then proceed to go around the Kaaba in a circle, imitating the throng, with the aim of kissing and caressing the Black Stone, which is set into the Kaaba’s eastern corner and is known as al-Hajar al-Aswad in Urdu.
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It is also referred to as the Mountain of Light, and it is said that the Prophet Meditated there in order to receive the first revelations. For many Muslims across the world, it is a significant religious and pilgrimage place. There is a challenging walk that may be undertaken to reach the mountain’s top, which is around 620 meters high. The distinctive feature of this mountain is that its summit is a mountainous desert and it appears as though two mountains are perched on top of one another. It is our definite recommendation to add Jabal-al-Nour in your list of best Things to do in Masjid-al-Haram.
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The Mecca Royal Clock Tower, also known as the Abraj Al-Bait Tower, is another location that you must include on your list of things to do in Masjid-al-Haram and around. With a central tower that rises to a height of 601 meters (with its spire), it is third highest building in the world Burj Khalifa (Number 1) and Shanghai Tower (Number 2).This cluster of multi-tower skyscrapers sits next to the Great Mosque, and it will leave you awe-struck.
Discover its seven towers’ roughly 16 million square feet of floor area, which includes hotels, residential flats and shopping complexes. You can choose to stay at one of the hotels in this tower or go for shopping at one of its shopping centers. The 141-foot clock in the complex’s Centre tower is its most outstanding architectural element.
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Mina, the Saudi Arabian city of tents, is situated in the low-lying Jamarat valley, close to Makkah. The largest tent city in the world has around hundred thousand tents to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims leaving from Mecca after performing the seven-round ritual, Safa, and Murah. Discover the unique tent city and take part in the Hajj pilgrims’ custom of stoning the Devil on the final day of the Hajj. The devil’s stoning ceremony is carried out in Mina during the last days of Hajj, and the city is also home to the three pillars that symbolize devil or the Satan.
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Get on the Al Hokair Fun land Mecca indoor amusement park and enjoy the park’s phenomenal fusion of lights, noises, and rides for kids. This amusement park, one of Makkah’s top leisure destinations, is home to a variety of thrilling activities and ice skating rinks divided into internal and external squares.
After the fun session you may also head to several different cafés and restaurants available inside it. Spend some time at the amusement park, which offers entertaining activities for adults including air hockey, arcades, and trampolines.
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Feel enchanted as you gaze at the enormous globe at Jeddah’s Globe Roundabout, a towering structure made of glass and steel. The Globe Roundabout, designed by Spanish draughtsman Julio Lafuente, is one of the attractions of Makkah and towers above the nearby traffic roundabout.
It is a component of the countless iconic roundabouts and squares that dot the city, many of which feature the same artist’s work. Watch the enormous globe spin and glow in the evening as the turquoise light contrasts with the deep blue sky. Plan a quick short drive to view the striking globe at the traffic circle.
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The Great Mosque of Mecca, which includes several significant architectural components of religious significance including the Black Stone, the Zamzam well, Maqam Ibrahim, and the hills of Safa and Marwa, surrounds the Kaaba and is a major Islamic pilgrimage destination. In addition to being the ninth biggest building in the world, this mosque is also the largest mosque in the whole world.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every Muslim is to visit Makkah’s Masjid Al Haram. The Grand Mosque of Makkah Al-Mukarram is a place that every Muslim longs to see. However, in order to preserve the decorum and holiness of the Masjid Al Haram, visitors must adhere to the proper dress code as mentioned below.
Rida: One or both shoulders must be covered with this small covering. It must always cover the left shoulder. When doing Tawaf, make sure the right shoulder is left uncovered.
Izar: Longer sheet to cover the feet and the navel.
Socks and pants are not allowed for men to wear. They must also keep their head uncovered. The ideal footwear is a soft, flat pair of slippers or sandals as it is essential leave the toes, heels and ankles uncovered.
The dressing requirements for women during Umrah are less strict than they are for males. As long as they are tidy, clean and covers their entire body except the hands and face. The majority of females in Ihram wear non-transparent Abayas and Hijabs in either white or black color. Socks, Shoes and other forms of closed footwear are also permitted.
Mobile phones may be used to call home and stay in touch with your family members and friends. The majority of phone stores in Makkah and Madinah sell SIM cards, which are only good for one month, over the counter.
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VISAS
To enter or travel in Saudi Arabia as a tourist, you need to apply for Saudi Arabia Visa from UK. With a tourist visa you are permitted to do Umrah, while for Hajj you require a different visa.
With the introduction of KSA Saudi Arabia Visa, the country is welcoming all people. Visitors will have the chance to learn about and experience Saudi Arabia’s diverse and magnificent landscapes, rich heritage, lively culture, and kind hospitality.
To apply for Hajj and Umrah visa please contact one of the authorized travel agencies and get you visa as soon as possible.
We suggest you to submit an e-Visa application at least five days before your trip to Saudi Arabia. Yes, certain programs do complex analysis, which adds to the processing time.
An e-Visa for Saudi Arabia is valid for a year after it is granted. You will need to re-apply for an e-Visa if your passport expires before that because the authorization is tied to a passport number. In this situation, the government may grant you an e-Visa that is only good for the remaining time on the validity of your passport.
You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days using an e-Visa. You should apply for a conventional visa in your passport, which will necessitate a more laborious application procedure, for longer visits. Throughout the e-Visa’s year of validity, you have the option to travel more than 90 times.
Transit visa is not necessary for stops of less than 12 hours with a connected aircraft on the same airline. You won’t be permitted to leave the transit zone while you’re on your layover.
It is not against the law to enter Saudi Arabia with a visa stamped from Israel. However Israeli citizens are not permitted to enter.
Please note the change that has to be made when sending your documents before submitting them. Corrections cannot be made after submitting your application for Saudi Arabia Visa from UK.
The minor must get an AST (authorization to leave the nation) if they UK without a legal guardian. This form must be filled out by one of the parents with parental authority and may be requested online. When travelling, this document must be brought along with a copy of the legal guardian’s identification card.
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