Place

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.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

It’s strenuous enough to be in Makkah on your own, to have to manage kids on such a trip is a herculean task.

There is not much in the way of parks, or play grounds in this city. However there is plenty of road way for your kids to run around in and play areas can be found in the larger shopping malls. But why waste this opportunity on play zones? With the amount of history in this city, why not start educating your children about the history and birth of their religion, illustrating each story with a visit to each of the sacred places that you talk about.

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Maqaam-e-Ishmael

Mountain

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.

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Prophet's Birthplace

House

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”.

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Jabl-e-Rahmat

Hill

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.

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Jamarat

Activity

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.

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Jannatul Mallah

Cemetery

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.

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Jabl-e-Noor

Mountain

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.

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Jabl-e-Saur

Mountain

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.

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Hudaibiyah

Town

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.

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'Kiswa' (The Drape Of The Kaabah) Factory

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ridan

Ridan provides platters of traditional Saudi food. You will find the local favourites of Mandi, Fermouzah and Muttabak done the right way here.

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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.

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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.

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Hardees

Another fast food chain part of the Americana Group, Hardees provides sandwiches, burgers, fries and chicken.

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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.

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Burger King

The famous American burger chain extends the same great taste that you are used to at home.

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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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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.

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The Hilton Makkah

Luxury Hotels

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.

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Movenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah.

Moderate Hotels

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.

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Mercure Grand Umm Al Qurah Mecca

Luxury Hotels

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.

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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.

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Fendaq Nawazi Ajyad

Budget Hotels

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

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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.

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Elaf El Sudd Hotel Mecca

Budget Hotels

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.

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NAJD HOTEL

Budget Hotels

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.

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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.