Makkah, Saudi Arabia – Preparations are intensifying for the upcoming month of Ramadan, with Saudi authorities announcing a significant expansion of volunteer opportunities at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The initiatives, coordinated by the Presidency of Religious Affairs for the Two Holy Mosques and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aim to enhance the experience of pilgrims and worshippers during what is expected to be a period of high visitation.
More than 200 volunteering opportunities are now available across 13 fields in the Makkah region alone, according to announcements made this week. These roles encompass a wide range of services, reflecting a concerted effort to provide comprehensive support to those visiting the holy sites. The General Directorate of Education in the Makkah region is actively promoting participation, emphasizing the importance of fostering values of philanthropy and social responsibility.
The volunteer drive is not limited to logistical support. Opportunities extend to providing guidance to pilgrims, conducting awareness campaigns, offering religious affairs assistance, and delivering media and technical support. Crucially, the initiatives also prioritize services aimed at enriching the spiritual experience of worshippers, including translation services and assistance with managing prayer rows.
Registration for volunteers opened on February 25, 2025, and is being facilitated through an electronic platform managed by the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Both men and women are encouraged to participate, with the Presidency having established a comprehensive database to match volunteers with appropriate roles, and needs. Interested individuals can apply through the National Volunteer Portal, HRSD.
The surge in anticipated worshippers is linked to the ongoing Umrah season, which began in late June 2024 following the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Millions of pilgrims have already visited the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and numbers are expected to increase significantly during Ramadan. Authorities are focused on ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all visitors.
Beyond direct support for pilgrims, the volunteer program also encompasses environmental initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. Volunteers will be involved in projects designed to minimize the environmental impact of the increased number of visitors, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
The scope of volunteer roles extends to providing assistance to individuals with disabilities, offering wheelchair support, and providing spatial guidance within the expansive mosque complexes. First aid services will also be available, staffed by trained volunteers. Training programs are being offered to volunteers to enhance their skills and prepare them for their roles, with a focus on safety and health awareness.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to community engagement and the development of a robust volunteer sector within Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is working in collaboration with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector to attract and utilize national talent to serve pilgrims and the wider community. This coordinated approach aims to strengthen field operations and enhance the overall quality of services provided.
Universities are also contributing to the volunteer effort. Umm al-Qura University in Makkah has announced 21 volunteer opportunities specifically focused on supporting pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan. These roles include language translation, first aid, distributing Iftar meals, providing medical assistance, offering guidance, and welcoming pilgrims.
The Islamic Affairs Ministry branch in Makkah is also preparing mosques throughout the city for Ramadan, offering approximately 60 volunteer opportunities involving both men and women. These roles focus on organizational and service-related tasks to prepare the mosques for the increased number of worshippers during the holy month. The ministry’s efforts underscore its commitment to fostering community participation and providing support within places of worship.
The opening of these volunteer opportunities comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and services to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims visiting the holy sites. The Kingdom views the provision of a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims as a key priority, and the volunteer program is seen as an integral part of achieving this goal. The initiative also highlights the importance of humanitarian work and the values of service and compassion within Islamic tradition.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has emphasized that various entities, including government agencies, private endowments, charitable organizations, and licensed volunteer teams, are eligible to participate in serving visitors at the Grand Mosque. This broad inclusivity aims to maximize the impact of the volunteer program and ensure that a wide range of skills and resources are brought to bear.
