Umrah for elderly and disabled pilgrims
Where to find free wheelchairs and golf carts at Masjid al-Haram, how to book them, the Rawdah by wheelchair and the prayer areas for people with disabilities, from the Two Holy Mosques authority’s announcements.
At a glance
Wheelchairs at Masjid al-Haram: where to find them
- More manual wheelchairs on the first floor of the Mas’a near Gate 39, on the Mataf roof, and in the Jarwal tunnel near the emergency hospital.
- Golf carts are free for people with disabilities, who can go straight to the service points without booking.
- You may bring your own wheelchair; enter through the entrances designated for wheelchairs.
- Four electric-cart routes run from public transport stations to the Haram through the Jarwal tunnel.
More details
Masjid al-Haram has about 400 electric carts and more than 6,000 manual wheelchairs, according to the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Booking a wheelchair or golf cart
- Book online on the official platform carts.alharamain.gov.sa (seven languages, sign-in with Nafath).
- Golf carts can no longer be booked in person; booking ahead is recommended for anyone over 65.
- Bring your booking ticket and ID to the pick-up point.
- The platform offers a free electric cart for people with disabilities once the disability is verified online.
More details
The platform does not publish the prices of paid wheelchairs on its page; you see them when you book.
The Prophet’s Mosque and the Rawdah
- Elderly visitors may enter the Rawdah in wheelchairs, with a Nusuk permit.
- A section for deaf visitors on the western roof near Gate 6, and Braille copies of the Quran.
- The Prophet’s Mosque has 180 lifts and 156 escalators.
Prayer areas for people with disabilities at Masjid al-Haram
- Men: first floor, opposite Gate 91.
- Women: Gate 88 (ground floor), Gate 65 (first floor, Shubaika) and prayer area 15 overlooking the mataf.
- They have Braille Qurans, sign-language interpreters, white canes, ramps and dedicated paths.
More details
Locations can change from season to season; ask the authority’s staff when you arrive.
Umrah permit and companions
- Each pilgrim needs a free Umrah permit in Nusuk; you can add 4 companions, with no limit on dependants.
- Only one permit can be active at a time, so pick a time slot that suits you.
Health and emergency numbers
- Complete the required vaccinations, especially if you are elderly or have a chronic condition (Ministry of Health).
- Carry a medical report listing your conditions, medicines and doses, and wear an ID bracelet with your condition.
- Ambulance: 997 or the Asefni app; unified emergency number 911.
Getting around: train, airport, hotel
- Haramain train: 50% off for people with disabilities and one companion on the same train, with official ID; wheelchairs at stations.
- At Madinah airport, request assistance and a wheelchair from your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Choose a hotel with a step-free walking route: Makkah hotels has an elderly-friendly list and a “No steps on route” filter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a wheelchair at the Haram in Makkah?
On the official Haramain carts platform, carts.alharamain.gov.sa, signing in with Nafath; then take your booking ticket and ID to the pick-up point. Free manual wheelchairs are also available in the east plaza at Bab al-Salam (Gate 19) and the west plaza at the Shubaika bridge (Gate 64).
Are wheelchairs free at Masjid al-Haram?
Manual wheelchairs in the east and west plazas are free, and golf carts are free for people with disabilities. Paid manual wheelchairs are available in the Mas’a; prices are shown when you book.
Can elderly pilgrims visit the Rawdah in a wheelchair?
Yes. Elderly visitors may enter in wheelchairs with a Nusuk permit, through the southern plazas in front of Makkah Gate (37). Free wheelchairs are lent at exits 309 and 343.
Can I bring my own wheelchair?
Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says you may come to Masjid al-Haram with your own wheelchair, entering through the places designated for wheelchairs.
Is there a train discount for people with disabilities?
Yes: 50% off the ticket for people with disabilities and one companion on the same train, showing official ID when booking and boarding.
Plan the rest of your Umrah
We do not give religious rulings.