Saudi Arabia Introduces Smart Golf Carts for Easy Tawaf

Update (November 2026): This article describes the service as it launched in Ramadan 2024. Since 20 Ramadan 1446 (March 2025), golf carts at the Grand Mosque are booked electronically through the authority’s Unified Transport Platform instead of at ticket counters. People with disabilities can use the carts free of charge with one companion. Check the current timings and fares on the platform before you go.

In March 2024, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque introduced a convenient and thoughtful service for elderly pilgrims and those with special needs. Smart golf carts were made available on the roof of the Grand Mosque in Makkah to assist with the ritual of Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba).

Accessibility and Timings

At launch, designated pilgrims could reach the golf cart station through the following entrances:

Ajyad Escalators
King Abdulaziz Gate Elevators
Umrah Gate Elevators

At launch, the golf carts operated daily from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM, giving pilgrims ample time to perform Tawaf comfortably.

Service and Cost

The rooftop golf cart service is offered for Tawaf only, to help those who face mobility challenges. At launch, the cost was SR25 per person, including VAT.

Fleet and Capacity

To cater to the large influx of pilgrims, especially during Ramadan, the authority deployed a fleet of 50 golf carts on the Mataf roof, each carrying up to 10 passengers. Ahead of Ramadan 2025, the authority said it had increased the number of electric golf carts at the Grand Mosque to 400.

Ticket Purchase

At launch, tickets were sold at points of sale on the rooftop of the Grand Mosque. From 20 Ramadan 1446 (March 2025), the authority stopped manual bookings, and cart reservations are now made through the Unified Transport Platform. Elderly visitors who have trouble booking online can get help at the service points inside the mosque.

Ongoing Efforts

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to introduce new services to make the journey to Makkah and Madinah accessible for pilgrims from around the world, including free wheelchairs, paid and free manual carts and electric carts.

Sources: SPA, 21 March 2024; Saudi Gazette, 25 March 2024; Saudi Gazette, 20 March 2025 (electronic booking); SPA, 3 March 2025 (400 carts)