What to do with Children in Makkah
It’s strenuous enough to be in Makkah on your own, to have to manage kids on such a trip is a herculean task.
Saudi Arabia
Makkah
One of the oldest cities in the region and home to the most holy of all Muslim sites (Christian and Jewish too for some), Makkah receives over 3.5 million people alone during the Hajj season, and well over 15 million people throughout the year. This clearly keeps up with English definition for “Mecca” meaning: A place that attracts many visitors. The city is in the middle of a desert so summer temperatures can often soar into the fifties. Winter temperatures drop to 15 degree Celsius.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Maqaam-e-Ishmael
This is the spot where the Abraham (AS) took Ishmael (AS) to be slaughtered. At the time when Abraham was about to use his knife, the Angel Gabriel appeared with a lamb, which was then sacrificed when God pardoned Ishmael and Abraham. The Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated in remembrance of this act. It is also the inspiration for the Hadi or a sacrifice as part of the Hajj on the 10 Zill Hajja. Unfortunately, the access to this spot is restricted due to the Royal Palace that has been built around the hill. Try your luck still, you just might find a sympathetic ear.
Prophet's Birthplace
Located north of the Marwa and Safa hills for Sayi, this is a small house with old architecture which is kept shut. On it a board reads Maktab Makkah Al Mukarramah. Posters in five languages are placed outside its locked doors by the Saudi authorities (hence confirming its authenticity) saying that “the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not want people to see his place of birth”.
Jabl-e-Rahmat
Located in the plains of Arafat, this is a small hill where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave the last sermon, and received the last revelation by order of which the religion of Islam was completed. The exact spot where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stood is marked with a single white marble pillar closed off with fencing. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach this place.
Jamarat
These are the devils that were cast into stones. As part of Hajj, pilgrims have to throw seven stones on the 10th, 11th and the 12th of Zil Hajj. They are located around 1.2 km outside Mina. A new super structure consisting of three floors have been placed around the small, medium and large devils, or Jamarats.
Jannatul Mallah
Jannatul Mallah contains the graves of some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) including those of Abu Talib (The Prophet’s uncle), and Khadija (The Prophet’s wife). Their graves are in a green gated enclosure in the northern most section of the graveyard.
Jabl-e-Noor
This is the mountain where the first revelations of the Qura'an reached the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) via the arch angel Gabriel. Almost 2500 feet high, at the top of the mountain is the small cave of Hira where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) usually escaped from society to meditate. This is where arch angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad (SAW) on behalf of Allah. This is located about 16 km from Masjid-al-Haraam. Reserve half a day for the ascent and the descent from the mountain and the second part of the day for rest. The steps take a lot out of you.
Jabl-e-Saur
This mountain is located opposite Jabl-e-Noor. Twice as high, 5413 feet high, Jabl-e-Saur had a cave at the top where the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) hide from their Quraish pursuants. This is the cave in which the spider spun his web over the entrance and the pigeon laid eggs to save the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from the pagans. Located at a 10 minute drive from the Haram, be ready to spare half a day in this excursion. Saudi Arabian authorities do not recognize this as a holy spot and there are no emergency services in the area.
Hudaibiyah
Situated on the old road connecting old Jeddah to Makkah. The location is now known as Al-Syumaisi. Hudaibiyah was a small oasis where the Muslim pilgrims from Madinah brokered a deal with the pagan rulers of Makkah, the Quraish, in 6 AH to return the next year to perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. In a typical fashion, the spot is marked with a masjid.
'Kiswa' (The Drape Of The Kaabah) Factory
Located in Makkah, this is where the famous black silk cover of the Ka'aba is hand stitched with real gold thread. If your taxi fellow is a true local, he will know how to take you there. You can see how the cover is prepared. If you are lucky, they might even cut you out a piece of the cover to take home (find a worker from your part of the world there and convince him).
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Makkah
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Makkah
Al Naim
Located in the Movenpick Hotel across from the Haram Court, Al Naim is an eclectically decorated ala carté restaurant. Able to cater to large crowds, it still manages to give individual tables the space they need in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Al Rehab Restaurant
Situated in the Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Hotel, this Middle Eastern themed restaurant gives the diner a slice of Middle East on top of ceramic plates. Carrying a distinct Moroccan theme, the dinner experience is often likened to that provided to royalty.
AL RASHEED
This restaurant is located in the Grand Mercure hotel. Offering a variety of international and oriental cuisine, it also boasts a designated non smokers area. Serves breakfast through to dinner. Opens 07:00, lights out at 23:00.
Ridan
Ridan provides platters of traditional Saudi food. You will find the local favourites of Mandi, Fermouzah and Muttabak done the right way here.
Iskander & Kabab
Makkah receives a large number of Turks. Add this to the fact that the Turks ruled this part of the world for over a five centuries, one comes across a Turkish eatery quite often. This restaurant, far from the madding crowd serves authentic Turkish delights.
Asia Far East Restaurant
If you hail from the Far Eastern regions of China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, getting the food that you are used to is a little tedious. And even if you do find places that offer noodles and fish, they probably would not taste the way they should. This is as good as it gets for Far Eastern cuisine in Makkah.
Hardees
Another fast food chain part of the Americana Group, Hardees provides sandwiches, burgers, fries and chicken.
Al Tazaj Chicken and BBQ
Al Tazaj is a local initiative into the fried and BBQ chicken market. Its trademark is the butterfly smoked grilled chicken.
Burger King
The famous American burger chain extends the same great taste that you are used to at home.
Al Baik
With average meals costing between SAR 5 – 11 and lines stretching around the block, Al Baik is the highest selling fast food chain in Saudi Arabia, out selling its closest competitors and international heavyweight KFC. Quick, tasty, and economical, Al Baik has established itself as a leader in the food business. Added advantage is its huge kitchen located in Mina. This is the world’s largest kitchen.
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Where to stay in Makkah
Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah
This seven star hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Ka'aba from its upper floors. Its main entrance facing the Ka'aba opens on to the marbled floors of the Masjid-al-Haram, facing the King Fahd Gate. Internet connection in every room, and don't worry if you forgot to bring your laptop, you can get one at the hotel for a small fee. A complete business centre is also available.
The Hilton Makkah
This ominous v shaped hotel towers above the Masjid-al-Haram. Having a multitude of residency options from the twin deluxe rooms to the King Deluxe Plus rooms. Kitchenettes are in some of the rooms but business centres are available to keep you in touch with the world. The five star treatment gets redefined at this hotel. Choose from a variety of Art-deco-city views, to Ka'aba and Haram views. In your spare time go through the 450 + shops in the lower floors.
Movenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah.
Gleaming views of the Ka'aba and the Masjid-al-Haram over the King Abdul Aziz Gate, the Movenpick Tower is part of the esteemed Al Hajr towers. These posh hotels cater to only the best of the best. Within the towers, you will find three floors of shopping with some of the top brands in the world. A food court, and a unique restaurant with an old ship placed on the sixth floor. The rooms come with 24 hour room service, wireless internet, a kitchenette, iron, safe and cable television.
Mercure Grand Umm Al Qurah Mecca
Down the road from Masjid-al-Haraam, this five star hotel is situated in the thick of the commercial centre of Makkah. With all modern conveniences accommodated in the hotel, it allows one to focus all their energies on the religious duties. Wireless high speed internet in the rooms will be your connection to the outside world.
Al Safwah Royale Orchid
Situated exactly opposite the King Abdul Aziz gate, Ka'aba and Haram views offered from this hotel are exquisite. With restaurants which offer amazing food with a weekly sea food night, and views of the Ka'aba, the spiritual experience is enhanced in style. A multi floor shopping centre at base will keep you busy in your spare time.
Fendaq Nawazi Ajyad
A no frills hotel that does the basics well. Wired Internet connection is available in public spaces. It is situated 10 minutes from the Haram. Primitive air conditioning is available, any troubles can be reported at the 24 hour front desk. Colour television in rooms receive satellite channels. Ajyad street, Ajyad, Makkah Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia. Tel: 0096625746666
Mercure Hibatullah
This is a three star hotel with quaint rooms and public wired internet in the lobby. Rooms come with air conditioning and safety deposit boxes. Money exchange and business centre facilities are also available with the 24 hour front desk. A nice 12 minute walk from the Haram. No dine in facilities though, only a choice of cold or hot beverages. Free parking is available as well.
Elaf El Sudd Hotel Mecca
Less price usually means that your hotel is going to be a little distance from the Masjid-al-Haraam. This one, while not being as intensely priced as other hotels is relatively closer. The services provided is where the trade off comes with only basic amenities of room service, customary air-conditioning and lifts, along with a rather small television set. They also have special kitchen menus for larger groups.
NAJD HOTEL
No frills hotel, located 150 meters north of the Marwa Hills and the Masjid-Al-Haram. Carries basic amenities of a 24 hour front desk, direct telephone lines, safety box, daily house keeping, refrigerators and televisions with satellite connections.
Kamil Palace Hotel Mecca
A bed, an air conditioner and about 10 minutes walk from the Masjid-al-Haraam. All in a room costing as low as $44.
History and today in Makkah
Visa Information
Visa for Makkah is issued to Muslims only. The most common visa is the Hajj, or pilgrimage visa which is issued for a 40 day period . Business, Work and Residency Visas require a local sponsor cleared from the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. Visas are usually city restrictive. A Hajj or Umra Visa is valid in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. For pilgrimage visas, contact your local Consulate or Embassy. During Hajj, governments also run specific programmes and may, on behalf of the citizen, handle all visa processes.
When to go
If going for Hajj pilgrimage, check the Lunar calendar. For Umra, the best times are during the holy month of Ramadan and during the winter. During Ramadan there are huge crowds, particularly during the last ten days of Ramadan but the atmosphere is overwhelming.
Fast Facts
-Location: Middle East -Dialling code: +966 -Emergency numbers:
Saudi Arabia's currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR.) and Halalas (Hls.), with 100 Halalas equalling a Riyal
Annual Temperature
..........a- January; Max: 30.2 °C: Min: 16 °C ..........b- February; Max: 31.9 °C: Min: 17 °C ..........c- March
Makkah Residents
The people are a mix of Arabs and South Asians. People from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines can be found in great abundance. The most common nationality you probably will be in everyday contact with will be the Bengalis and then the Arabs. Arabs hold on to key supervisor positions while the immigrants comprise the worker force of the city.
Makkah today
One of the oldest cities in the region and home to the most holy of all Muslim sites (Christian and Jewish too for some), Makkah receives over 3.5 million people alone during the Hajj season, and well over 15 million people throughout the year. This clearly keeps up with English definition for “Mecca” meaning: A place that attracts many visitors. The city is in the middle of a desert so summer temperatures can often soar into the fifties. Winter temperatures drop to 15 degree Celsius.
Makkah History
The history of Makkah dates all the way to the time of Prophet Abraham, when he left the suckling Ishmael along with his mother, Hajra under a tree on the hillock. Years later, Abraham returned and, on God’s orders, built the Ka'aba. The city steadily grew into an important trading city in the region, largely because of the holy spring of Zam Zam offering water to thirsty travellers in passing caravans. In 560 AD Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born to one of the powerful tribes inhabiting the city. In 600 AD, Islam was revealed at the Jabal-e-Noor (Cave of Hira) to Muhammad (SAW). Consequently, the powerful pagan tribes in Makkah cast Muhammad (SAW) out in 622 AD, only to see him return eight years later with such a might that Muhammad (SAW) gained victory without having to face any resistance whatsoever. Over the centuries the Arabs kept control over the land despite the seat of power of the Muslim world shifting, first to Damascus then to Baghdad and then to Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) during the Ottoman Empire. A fort was built around Ka'aba to protect it. However, following the defeat of the Muslims after World War I, and the subsequent end of Khilafat Mecca was handed over to the new Arab rulers, the Saud family with certain conditions and pledges evoked from the new rulers regarding the destruction of holy sites.
Useful information
Shopping
ProMod
Trendy label for women. Yes, women dress conservatively in Saudi Arabia, but no one can peek under their thick black abayah's. This gives everyone an idea to what Saudi women wear under the black over coat outters.
Milano
The best shoes that come from Italy. Bearing the name of the fashion capitol of Italy and arguably the world, this footwear line for men and women is not only the best in quality, but also in style.
Gazzaz
Selective range of the best accessories ranging from perfumes to hand bags and top of the line cosmetics
Al Abraj Al Bait Towers & Shopping Mall
With the activities in Makkah being centred around the Haraam, all the markets are too. The Al Abraj Towers, which has the
ALDO ACCESSORIES
Accessories for women: belts, rings, brooches, bracelets and many other items, can be found here.
ALDO
This is a Chinese based ladies shoes, hand bags and accessories store.
GAP
Another American retail clothing line serving the young and the hip. It caters to both, men and women. The Center, Al Bait Abraj Makkah, Makkah.
Levis Straus
The famous American casual clothing range is where “Quality never goes out of style.” Levis Straus’s claim to fame were their indestructible, yet comfortable clothing. Find a range of modern and hip clothing at this store, which is now synonymous with the word jeans.
Next
This British clothing and accessories line caters to men, women and children.
Al Diyafah Souk Mall
Departmental store type shopping which has a range of mid level brands on offer. It has a number of brand stores.
Festivals and events in Makkah
Eid-Milad-un-Nabi
Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad
Jinadriyah
Celebrating the Arabic culture. Two weeks of sports like
Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. This is also a popular time for Muslims from the world over to come for Umra. Dates are subject to sighting of the moon.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Celebrated after the month of Ramadan ends when the new moon of the next month is sighted. This is a two to three day festival celebrated by spreading sweets and meeting loved ones. Based on lunar calendar.
Unification of the Kingdom
Not entirely a festival. Treated more so as an unofficial Holiday.
Makkah tours and experiences
Saad Al Samallaghi Co. Ltd
Run a variety of tours which include trips to 1. City, Desert and Land Tours/Excursions 2. Museum and Historical Site Visits
Najd Group
Najd Group provides hotels and complete packages for Hajj and Umrah travellers and offers city tours to its guests. Their office is ideally located at 150 metres north of the hills of Marwa. A travel desk also operates in its lobby.
Makkah masjids and Muslim travel
Ka'aba, Hajr-e-Aswad, Hatim and the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim
Thought to be initially built by the angels, then by Adam (AS). Destroyed in the flood of Noah, it was rebuilt by Abraham (AS) on the orders of Allah. It became a symbol of power in the times before the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It was believed who so ever had control of the Ka'aba would have the right to rule over the other tribes in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) solved this by having the various tribes to pledge equality in ownership of the Ka'aba by letting them hold on to a square piece of cloth and placing the sacred black stone in the middle and then affixing the stone into south east corner of the Ka'aba. Kissing this stone commences the Taw'waf. This is also believed to wash off the sins of a person. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) too rebuilt the Ka'aba. Collecting money for repairs, the money fell short to complete the original design and the area just outside facing north was cordoned off with a low wall indicating a space that was designated to be part of the Ka'aba – this is called the Hatim. The Ka'aba, the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (place where Abraham (AS) stood while building the Ka'aba, the well of Zam Zam and the hills of Safa and Marwa are located in the Masjid-al-Haram, the holy mosque. Also, feel free to roam around the multiple levels of the Masjid-Al-Haram. It’s a marvel of modern architecture and the best marbled building in the world.
Masjid-e-Jinn
According to tradition, this is a Mosque situated on the Al Haram street, where once the Holy Prophet (SAW) was reciting the Holy Qura'an. A group of Jinn passing by heard the recitation and stopped to hear more.
Masjid-e-Nimrah
Located in the plain of Arafat, this Masjid is the place where the prayers of Hajj, (the combined Zuhur and Asr prayers), are said on 9th Zil Hajj. This Masjid opens only once a year especially for the Hajj prayers. It is a sight to behold. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach from the city centre.
Masjid-e-Aisha
This is a mosque located on the outskirts of Makkah. It serves as a Meeqat, or point where one can make the intention for Umrah. The mosque is named after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife, Aisha (RA), who while accompanying the companions on the first Hajj prayed at this spot to make intention for Umrah. SAPTCO buses run to and fro from this architecturally scenic mosque charging SAR 2. Private coasters also run charging between SAR 2 and SAR 5 per person.
Masjid-e-Janarah
This masjid is a 25 minute drive away from the Haram. Masjid-e- Janarah also serves as a meeqat from where the intention for Umrah can be made. Attractions include a well (which has been walled shut) which, according to traditions, maintains that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used his saliva to turn the brackish water sweet. Another attraction is a nearby graveyard of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which has been walled off.
Kaaba
Kaaba, Al Haram, Mecca 24231, Saudi Arabia
Transportation
Taxi
Taxi is the most common and easiest way to getting around Makkah, stick your hand out and you will most probably have cars starting to queue up. Available in vast abundance, the standard meter starts at SAR 5 and runs at every 1.6 Km. However, almost always you would have to haggle the complete fare before undertaking the trip. Talk to at least two cab drivers before taking one. Standard fare comes to about SAR 10.
Bus
The Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) runs a bus service along specific routes in Mecca. Primarily this route is from Masjid Al Haram (Ka'aba) to Masjid-e-Aisha and back. During the Hajj season, another route, i.e. from Masjid Al Haram to Jamarat and Masjid Al Haram to Mina / Muzdalifa are run. The standard fare is SAR2
Private Cabs
During the Hajj season, many car owners provide services as cab drivers. These are shared cabs charging single person fare from a group of people. These vehicles range from the GMC SUVs to mini coasters / vans and saloon cars and are quite inexpensive. Bewarned, they wont budge till all the space in the car is crammed with people. Common hunting ground is in and around the Haraam. Prices start at SAR 2.
Car for hire
You can hire a private vehicle – car or van – on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and with or with a driver. Fuel is extremely cheap, around SAR 0.46 per litre of petrol (Water costs SAR 1 minimum). Rentals start at SAR 50 per day.
From the airport
Makkah does not have an airport. Land at the King Abdul Aziz Airport, Jeddah and either take a taxi or use the bus service.
Driving Tips
Women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Even if you have won the desert rally or the F1 championships, it is illegal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
What you need
