As we know, Saudi Arabia is very rich in its food, culture, and historical sites. Many travellers visit this country to experience and enjoy its diversity in different fields of life. But, Saudi Arabia is also an important and holiest place for Muslims from all over the world because two holy mosques in Islam are located in it. In this case, consider this topic to know more about details, “Things to do in Makkah Saudi Arabia.” This article will support you with authentic information about the above topic.
Islam’s holiest city is Makkah, which is located in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia and is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born. Millions of Muslims visit the city every year for the Hajj, and it is only open to Muslims.
Many pilgrims that visit Makkah every year have an impact on its culture, which has a rich cultural history. Makkah has come to be the Muslim world’s most diverse city as a result of the huge number of pilgrims who visit the city every year.
Things to do in Makkah
The list of things to do in Makkah Saudi Arabia is as follows:
- Hajj and Umrah
- Visiting Masjid Haram
- Eating food at the most authentic restaurants in Makkah
- Shopping from old markets
- Taking an evening tour of Mount Arafat
- Having an authentic Middle Eastern lunch buffet
Hajj and Umrah
The Hajj is considered by the majority of Muslims as the fifth pillar of Islam and as an obligatory religious duty. While Umrah is a short trip to the holy city of Makkah.
First, the recipients (pilgrims) of Umrah packages leave the Kingdom within 30 days. But this ban has been permanently lifted. Now the holder of an Umrah visa or tourist visa can stay anywhere in Saudi Arabia for 3 months.
Visiting Masjid Haram
The Grand Mosque or Masjid Haram, which lies in the centre of Mecca, is where several rituals and observances are carried out. The centre of prayer at this time is the Kaaba, a sacred house that Muslims believe was constructed by Ibrahim (A.S) and his son Ismael (A.S).
Eating food at the most authentic restaurants in Makkah
Saudi Arabia has the world’s most popular cities are located there. Makkah is a popular travel destination for pilgrims from all over the world because of its religiously influenced cuisine and culture.
The top dining experiences that will be enjoyable for you are listed below. These restaurants offer everything, from regular meals to extraordinary occasions. Some of them are in proximity to the Kaaba, the holiest place in Islam, while others are only off-the-beaten paths.
Shopping from old markets
Makkah is home to numerous marketplaces, each of which specializes in a distinct type of good. There are many products available for purchase, such as clothing, accessories, gold jewellery, and technology. The Qissaria al-Bait, a mosque that was turned into a bazaar during the Ottoman Empire, is spread throughout various markets.
Taking an evening tour of Mount Arafat
There are numerous tour companies that offer half-day and full-day tours that carry pilgrims from dawn to night because it is customary for Muslims to perform a stay on Mount Arafat on their second day of Hajj. Even with spending so much time in one location, Mount Arafat is regarded as one of the most spiritual locations for Muslims. Additionally, individuals who are older or have disabilities find it to be a lot simpler.
Last year’s quota for UK pilgrims was 12,348, which means that in 2022, 12,348 residents received Hajj packages. But the Saudi government plans to increase its figures for Hajj 2023. So, follow the issued rules to select Hajj Packages 2023.
Having an authentic Middle Eastern lunch buffet
Around Masjid Haram, a few restaurants provide an authentic lunch buffet with grilled meats, falafel, and baba ghanoush. Since it offers one of the greatest meal deals in such an expensive area, you should eat here before visiting the surrounding.
Popular tourist places in Makkah Saudi Arabia
There are many popular tourist places in Makkah. These are as follows:
- Masjid Haram – The Grand Mosque of Makkah
- Mina
- Mount Arafat
- Jabal-al-Noor
- Safa and Marwa
- Abraj Al Bait – Makkah Clock Towers
- Makkah Clock Tower Museum
Masjid Haram – The Grand Mosque of Makkah
Any tourist to Makkah must visit the Masjid Haram, the greatest mosque in the entire world. The Kaaba, the most sacred place in Islam, is located in the mosque, making a visit worthwhile. When visiting the mosque, be sure to dress appropriately and show consideration for those who are praying.
Mina
Millions of pilgrims gather in Mina, a city outside of Makkah, each year for the Hajj. During the Hajj pilgrimage, the city comes to life with a variety of events taking place day and night.
Mount Arafat
In the Arafah plain, 20 kilometres southeast of Makkah, is a granite hill known as Mount Arafat. Because it is the hill where Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) intended to sacrifice his son Ismail (A.S), until Allah Almighty generously sent a ram in his place, it is frequently referred to as the “Mountain of Mercy.”
Jabal-al-Noor
One of the holiest places in Islam is indeed the mountain known as Jabal al-Noor, which is where the Prophet Muhammad lived in his cave. Don’t miss this stunning location, which is also referred to as “The Mountain of Light.”
Safa and Marwa
In Makkah, Saudi Arabia, two minor hills known as Safa and Marwa are now a part of the Masjid Haram and are connected to the larger Abu Qubais and Qaiqan mountains, respectively. Muslims travel back and forth between them seven times that’s known as the Sa’i ritual of Hajj and Umrah.
Abraj Al Bait – Makkah Clock Towers
In Makkah, Saudi Arabia, there is a group of seven skyscraper hotels owned by the government called The Clock Towers. The King Abdul-Aziz Endowment Project intends to improve the city to better serve coming pilgrims.
Makkah Clock Tower Museum
A Museum is placed at the top four floors of Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Makkah. The Misk Foundation, a non-profit group founded by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, runs the museum, which is situated at the highest point in Makkah.
Conclusion
Makkah, which is in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia and is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born, is the holiest city in Islam.
Saudi Arabia is a culturally, historically, and culinary rich country. Many tourists come to this country to explore and enjoy its diversity in various spheres of life. Being the home of two Grand mosques, it is also a significant and sacred location for Muslims worldwide.
The annual flow of pilgrims has an impact on Makkah’s culture, which has a rich history of civilization. It has developed into the most varied city in the Muslim world as a result of the significant number of pilgrims that travel to the city each year.
