The Grand Mosque in Mecca attracts Muslims in large numbers who come to the city to perform their religious duties of Umrha or Hajj. However, it was recently announced by the Saudi authorities that pilgrims will now be offered free luggage storage services at the Grand Mosque when they arrive to perform Umrah, which is another pilgrimage. Here’s all you need to know about this development for Muslim travellers.
Free Luggage Storage Service At Grand Mosque
Making life easier for the pilgrims, Saudi Arabian authorities have announced the launch of a free luggage storage service at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. According to a report of the Gulf News, the Saudi General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has allotted two locations for the service. These are in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque and are situated in the Eastern courtyard next to the Mecca Library and the Western Courtyard.
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Rules For Storing The Luggage
However, the state agency has also announced a few rules that pilgrims would want to know if they wish to benefit from the service. Take a look –
- To avail of this service, they will have to present the Umrah permit, which is issued via the Nusuk app.
- The storage luggage should not contain prohibited materials or valuables.
- One can only store their bags for up to four hours.
- Only bags are allowed to be stored as storage of food or medicine is prohibited.
- The bag that you store should not exceed the weight of 7 kg.
- Pilgrims will have to present their delivery cards when they go to retrieve their luggage.
While there are plans to increase the number of storage spaces; it’s worth mentioning that this is truly a blessing for travellers. We say this because it allows them to perform the rituals comfortably without having to worry about their bags.
For those who are not aware, the current Umrah season is underway, which began after the Hajj pilgrimage concluded in late June.
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