Alula: The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque implemented the column coding signage project in the corridors of the Grand Mosque, a qualitative initiative to facilitate movement for worshippers, visitors, and Umrah performers and enhance spatial guidance efficiency, as part of efforts to improve the spiritual experience during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the project is based on 350 guidance signs precisely distributed on the columns of the Grand Mosque to ensure ease of navigation and access to destinations within the mosque.
The signs use clear color codes, identification numbers, and the names of the main gates, and are linked to major areas such as the western, northern, southern, and eastern zones, making it easier for users to determine their locations quickly and accurately.
The authority ensured the inclusion of sub-letters arranged alphabetically to align with the movement of worshippers and the smooth flow within the Grand Mosque, providing a consistent guidance experience that is easy to read from different angles.
The distribution of the signage extends axially from the Kaaba to the main gates in a manner consistent with movement pathways within the Grand Mosque, providing connected guidance routes from one point to another.
The column coding signage project represents a qualitative shift in spatial guidance inside the Grand Mosque, enabling visitors to determine their locations and next destinations quickly, reducing navigation time and improving the smoothness and flow of movement.
The project is implemented during a period of high crowd density coinciding with Ramadan, enhancing the effectiveness of the solution and aligning with the goals of improving services and elevating the overall experience for Umrah performers.
The authority stressed its commitment to applying the best engineering practices in spatial guidance and crowd management and to continuing the development of innovative solutions that serve visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and enrich the experience of Umrah performers during their worship at the Grand Mosque.