livinginmakkah.com

Category: Living Tips

  • Public Holidays and Working Hours in Makkah (Mecca): What the Rules Say

    Public Holidays and Working Hours in Makkah (Mecca): What the Rules Say

    Working hours in Makkah follow the national Labour Law, with shorter hours for Muslim workers in Ramadan and set holidays for the two Eids and national days. This guide summarises what the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) publishes for the private sector.

    It is not legal advice. Government, school and some sector rules differ. Check your contract and ask your employer, and see HRSD for the full rules.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: HRSD’s guide says private-sector working hours are 8 a day or 48 a week, with Friday as the usual weekly rest day. In Ramadan, Muslim workers’ hours are reduced to 6 a day or 36 a week. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are 4 days each, and Founding Day and National Day are one day each.

    Working hours

    HRSD rules (as published)

    • Normal hours: up to 8 a day or 48 a week (HRSD).
    • Ramadan: reduced for Muslims to no more than 6 a day or 36 a week.
    • Weekly rest: Friday, unless another day is agreed and the labour office is notified (HRSD guide).
    • Holidays: all hours worked on public holidays count as overtime (HRSD).

    HRSD notes that some categories of workers and industries can have different hours by ministerial decision.

    Official holidays

    HolidayLengthWhen
    Eid al-Fitr4 daysFrom the day after 29 Ramadan (Umm Al-Qura calendar)
    Eid al-Adha4 daysFrom the Day of Arafah
    Founding Day1 day22 February
    Saudi National Day1 day23 September
    Official private-sector holidays (HRSD)

    Sources: HRSD’s holidays page and its awareness guide. Exact Eid dates depend on the official calendar; follow official announcements each year.

    When holidays overlap

    According to HRSD:

    If a holiday overlaps with

    • Weekly rest: compensated by days before or after the holiday
    • Annual leave: the leave is extended by the holiday days
    • Sick leave: full pay for the overlapping days
    • National or Founding Day with Eid: no compensation

    Planning around Ramadan

    Shorter working hours change the rhythm of the day, and many families shift routines. Traffic and shopping patterns also change. Plan school runs and errands for the new timings in the first few days.

    Planning around Eid and Hajj

    Eid holidays are a popular time to travel or receive family. Book travel early. If relatives want to perform Umrah while visiting, our Nusuk guide explains permits.

    Fridays

    Friday is the usual weekly rest day. Our Friday guide covers planning the day.

    Questions to ask your employer

    Before each season

    1

    Ask for Ramadan hours in writing.

    2

    Confirm Eid holiday dates once announced.

    3

    Check any rota if your workplace runs in shifts.

    4

    Ask how overtime is recorded if you work on a holiday.

    Annual leave

    The HRSD guide lists annual leave of not less than 21 days. Check your contract for your own entitlement, and plan leave around the holidays.

    Leave after five years

    According to HRSD’s guide, annual leave increases to 30 days once a worker completes 5 consecutive years with the same employer. The guide also says leave must be taken in the entitlement year and may not be exchanged for cash. Check your contract and ask your employer how this applies to you.

    Schools and government offices

    School calendars and government working hours are set separately. Check your children’s school calendar and official announcements for each holiday period.

    FAQ

    How many hours can I work in Ramadan?

    HRSD says Muslim workers’ hours are reduced to no more than 6 a day or 36 a week.

    How long is the Eid holiday?

    HRSD lists 4 days each for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

    Is work on a holiday paid extra?

    HRSD says hours worked on public holidays count as overtime.

    Last checked: 21 October 2026.

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    Sources

  • Hosting Umrah Guests in Makkah: Visas, Nusuk Permits and a Calm Plan

    Hosting Umrah Guests in Makkah: Visas, Nusuk Permits and a Calm Plan

    When family or friends come to stay, hosting Umrah guests in Makkah means you become their guide, driver and planner. A little preparation makes their first Umrah calmer and saves you a lot of phone calls. This guide sets out the official rules on visas and permits, then the practical steps, based on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Umrah and Visit guide.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Muslim visitors on any valid Saudi visa can perform Umrah, including tourist, family visit, transit and work visas. Every guest still needs an Umrah permit, which is issued only through the Nusuk app (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide). On foot, Umrah usually takes two to three hours, depending on crowds.

    Key takeaways

    • Any visa works: the ministry says all visa holders may perform Umrah.
    • One permit each: Umrah permits are issued only through the Nusuk app.
    • Time needed: two to three hours on foot, or one and a half to two hours by electric cart.
    • Transit option: Saudia passengers stopping over in Jeddah or Madinah can get a transit visa of up to 96 hours to perform Umrah.

    Which visas allow Umrah

    In October 2025 the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that all visa holders can perform Umrah. Its list includes personal and family visit visas, transit or stopover visas, work visas and the tourist e-visa (Arab News). The ministry’s guide lists three channels for visas and packages: the Nusuk Umrah platform, the Saudi Visa Platform, and authorized external agents (Umrah and Visit guide, PDF).

    Two more points from the guide are useful for hosts:

    • The Umrah visa allows travel between cities in the Kingdom while it is valid, so guests can also visit Madinah.
    • Passengers flying Saudia with a stopover in Jeddah or Madinah can get a transit visa of up to four days (96 hours) to perform Umrah, if they have a confirmed booking to their final destination.

    The Nusuk permit: one for every guest

    The guide is clear that all Muslim visitors, whatever their visa, need authorization to perform Umrah, and that the permit is issued only through the Nusuk app. Help each guest set up the app and book a slot before they arrive, then save the permits on their phones. For your own permit as a resident, see our guide to booking an Umrah permit on Nusuk.

    Warning

    Check each permit’s date and time slot before you set out. Book a separate permit for every person who will perform Umrah, rather than assuming one booking covers the group.

    Arrival day: from Jeddah airport to Makkah

    The ministry’s guide lists three ways from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Makkah: the Haramain High-Speed Railway, whose station is in Terminal 1; direct shuttle buses; and taxis or approved ride apps. SIM cards and data packages are sold in the arrival hall, and card payments (credit cards, Mada and Apple Pay) are widely accepted alongside cash.

    Guests arriving by air at Jeddah should enter ihram on the plane when the crew announces the Miqat. Remind them before they fly. Our Haramain train guide explains the Makkah station and commuting tips.

    Planning the Umrah itself

    A simple plan for your guests’ Umrah

    1. Pick a realistic time. The guide says Umrah takes two to three hours on foot. During peak times such as Ramadan, waiting for an electric cart can add up to another hour.
    2. Agree a meeting point before you start, such as a numbered gate inside the mosque, so no one is lost if the group gets separated.
    3. Know the Mataf rule. The ground floor of the Mataf is for people in ihram only. Hosts who are not in ihram can wait for the group elsewhere.
    4. Plan for after Sa’i. The public restrooms at the Haram are not meant for showering, so guests go back to their accommodation to bathe and change. Licensed barbers are in the outer courtyards on the Marwah side and in nearby malls and hotels.
    5. Keep the help numbers handy. The guide lists free numbers for religious questions at Masjid al-Haram: 8001222100 and 8001222400.

    Tip

    Elderly parents or relatives who find walking hard can use wheelchairs or electric carts. See our guide to wheelchairs and electric carts at Masjid al-Haram, and the ministry guide for current details.

    Looking after guests at home

    • Let them rest first. After a long flight, many guests are tired. If their permit allows, a short rest before Umrah can make the day easier.
    • Health: the guide advises seeing a doctor about chronic conditions before travel and drinking enough water. Keep our page on emergency numbers and hospitals in Makkah handy.
    • Getting around: the guide notes that Makkah buses cover a wide network and reach the central area. Our Makkah bus guide explains how to use them.
    • Fridays: if guests want to pray Jumu’ah at the Haram, read our Friday planning guide first.

    FAQ

    Can my guest perform Umrah on a tourist or family visit visa?

    Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in October 2025 that all visa holders may perform Umrah, including tourist e-visa, personal and family visit, transit and work visas.

    Does each guest need a Nusuk permit?

    Yes. The ministry guide says all Muslim visitors need authorization to perform Umrah, and the permit is issued only through the Nusuk app.

    How long does Umrah take?

    The ministry guide says two to three hours on foot, depending on crowds, and one and a half to two hours with an electric cart.

    Can guests visit Madinah on the same trip?

    Yes. The guide says the Umrah visa allows travel between cities in the Kingdom while it is valid, by train, air or road.

    Last checked 17 October 2026. Rules can change in peak seasons, so confirm on Nusuk and the ministry’s channels.

    Related

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  • Wheelchairs and Electric Carts at Masjid al-Haram: A Guide for Families

    Wheelchairs and Electric Carts at Masjid al-Haram: A Guide for Families

    Many Makkah families help an elderly parent or a relative with limited mobility to pray at the Haram or perform Umrah. Knowing how wheelchairs and electric carts at Masjid al-Haram work makes that much easier. This guide sets out the options and the rules, based on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Umrah and Visit guide.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: There are three options: free carts you push yourself, paid carts with an attendant, and electric carts that you reserve for a fee. Tawaf in a wheelchair or electric cart takes place on the first and second floors, not in the Mataf courtyard (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide).

    Key takeaways

    • Free carts (no attendant): eastern courtyard, at the Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices, and at Ash-Shubaikah Bridge.
    • Paid carts (with attendant): at several points in the main courtyards.
    • Electric carts: charged, and available by reservation.
    • Cart tawaf: first and second floors only.

    The three kinds of cart

    Option How it works Where (per the ministry guide)
    Free cart A wheelchair with no attendant; a family member pushes Eastern courtyard (Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices) and Ash-Shubaikah Bridge
    Paid cart with attendant A wheelchair pushed by an attendant, for a fee Multiple locations in the main courtyards
    Electric cart A motorised cart, for a fee Reserved in advance through the link in the guide
    Cart options at Masjid al-Haram

    The guide’s map also marks manual wheelchair distribution points and access points for people with special needs, and notes that Ajyad Bridge is designated for wheelchair access and people with special needs on the levels provided (Umrah and Visit guide, PDF).

    Where tawaf by cart takes place

    The ministry guide says the first and second floors are designated for tawaf with wheelchairs and electric carts, and that carts are not allowed into the Mataf courtyard. The ground floor of the Mataf is kept for people in ihram. So if you are pushing a parent, plan your route to the upper floors from the start.

    Good to know

    Tawaf may be performed in the Mataf courtyard or on the upper floors, the guide says.

    How long it takes

    According to the guide, Umrah takes two to three hours on foot and one and a half to two hours with an electric cart. At peak times such as Ramadan, waiting for a cart can add up to an extra hour. Build that into your plan, especially for an older relative who tires quickly.

    A checklist for helping an elderly relative

    Before you go

    1. Book the permit first. If they are performing Umrah, they need a permit on Nusuk. See our Nusuk permit guide.
    2. Choose the cart type that fits: a free cart if a strong family member can push, a paid attendant if not, or an electric cart reserved ahead.
    3. Plan the route to the upper floors for tawaf, and use the access points marked on the ministry map.
    4. Pack the basics: water, regular medicines and a phone with contacts saved.
    5. Agree a meeting point, such as a numbered gate, in case anyone gets separated.

    Help at the Haram

    The guide’s map marks first aid centers and guidance points for lost persons inside the mosque. For religious questions, it lists free numbers: 8001222100 and 8001222400. Keep our list of emergency numbers and hospitals in Makkah on your phone.

    Tip

    Busy nights in Ramadan need extra planning. Our guides to Taraweeh in Makkah and the last ten nights cover getting there and getting home.

    FAQ

    Are wheelchairs free at Masjid al-Haram?

    Free carts without an attendant are available in the eastern courtyard (Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices) and at Ash-Shubaikah Bridge. Carts with an attendant and electric carts are charged.

    Can a wheelchair go into the Mataf courtyard?

    No. The ministry guide says wheelchairs and electric carts use the first and second floors for tawaf and are not permitted in the Mataf courtyard.

    How do I reserve an electric cart?

    The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide includes an electric cart reservation link. Book ahead, especially in busy seasons.

    How long does Umrah take in an electric cart?

    About one and a half to two hours, according to the guide, with possible extra waiting of up to an hour at peak times such as Ramadan.

    Last checked 17 October 2026. Locations and services can change in busy seasons, so check the ministry guide and staff on site.

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  • Cost of Living in Makkah (Mecca) 2026: What the Official Data Shows

    Cost of Living in Makkah (Mecca) 2026: What the Official Data Shows

    Search for “cost of living in Makkah” and you will find confident monthly totals with no source behind them. We are not going to add another one. Costs here depend heavily on your district, your household and the season, and a single number would mislead more people than it helps.

    What we can give you is the official picture of how prices are moving, and a method for building your own budget from real quotes.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Official GASTAT data shows Saudi consumer prices rose 1.8% in the year to August 2026, with housing and rents up 3.9%, food up 1.4% and transport up 2.0%. Rent is the cost that varies most in Makkah, so price real homes in your chosen district and register any lease on Ejar.

    What the latest inflation figures say

    The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) publishes the Consumer Price Index every month. Its August 2026 release is the latest at the time of writing (GASTAT CPI, August 2026).

    Annual change, August 2026 (GASTAT)

    1.8%

    overall consumer prices

    3.9%

    housing, water, electricity and fuel

    1.4%

    food and beverages

    2.0%

    transport

    GASTAT says housing was the main driver, contributing 0.8 percentage points of the 1.8%, and that actual rents rose 3.9% over the year. Month on month, prices rose 0.1%, while food slipped 0.1% and restaurants and accommodation fell 0.4%.

    These are national figures. They tell you the direction of prices, not what a flat in a particular Makkah district costs.

    About the data

    GASTAT’s index tracks a fixed basket of 582 items, weighted using the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, with a new methodology published from August 2025 (GASTAT).

    Rent: the biggest variable

    For most households, housing is the largest monthly cost, and it is also the hardest to generalise. A flat close to the Haram, a family villa in a suburban district and an older building in an established area can be priced very differently, even in the same month.

    Season matters as well. Central districts are shaped by pilgrim demand in Ramadan and Hajj, while outer residential areas are more stable. Our neighbourhoods guide explains how the districts are organised.

    To get a real figure, collect quotes for the type of home you actually need, in two or three districts. Then make sure the contract is registered on the official Ejar platform. Our Ejar guide for tenants covers what to check.

    The other monthly costs

    CostWhat drives itWhere to check
    RentDistrict, size, building age, seasonListings, then Ejar contract
    ElectricityAir conditioning use in summerSEC consumption tariffs
    GroceriesHousehold size, brands, where you shopYour own receipts for a month
    TransportCar or bus, school runs, train tripsMakkah Bus app, HHR fares
    School feesPublic or private schoolThe school directly
    Where to find real figures

    Electricity is the one most newcomers underestimate. Air conditioning runs for much of the year, so summer bills are higher than winter ones. Check the current tariff on the Saudi Electricity Company page before you budget. Our newcomers’ utilities guide explains how to set up the account.

    Groceries depend on habits more than the city. Our groceries guide covers where residents shop.

    Transport costs fall if you live on a bus route. Check routes on the official Makkah Bus app. For trips to Jeddah or Madinah, the Haramain station is in Ar Rusayfah; fares change, so check the official app for your date.

    Build your own budget

    A budget built on real numbers

    1

    Pick two or three districts: based on work, school and how often you go to the Haram.

    2

    Collect rent quotes: for the home size you need, with what is included written down.

    3

    Ask a neighbour about bills: a summer and a winter electricity bill tells you more than any average.

    4

    Track one month of food: keep receipts, then plan from them.

    5

    Add seasonal costs: Ramadan, Eid and guests in Hajj season all add up.

    6

    Recheck each quarter: compare with the latest GASTAT release.

    Warning

    Do not pay a large deposit or a year’s rent in cash before the lease is on Ejar. An unregistered deal leaves you with little protection if something goes wrong.

    FAQ

    Is Makkah expensive to live in?

    It depends mainly on rent, which varies by district and season. National data shows prices rising 1.8% a year to August 2026, with rents up 3.9%.

    Does GASTAT publish a cost of living figure for Makkah city?

    GASTAT publishes price indices, which show how prices change. It does not set what any household should spend.

    What is the best way to check rents?

    Compare current quotes for the same home size in a few districts, then register the contract on Ejar.

    Last checked: 13 October 2026.

    Related

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  • Rain and Flash Flood Safety in Makkah: What Residents Should Do This Week

    Rain and Flash Flood Safety in Makkah: What Residents Should Do This Week

    Thunderstorms are forecast over much of the Kingdom through Wednesday (14 October 2026), so rain and flash flood safety in Makkah matters this week. This guide sums up what the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and the General Directorate of Civil Defense have said, with practical steps for Makkah households.

    What the forecast says

    In a Saudi Press Agency report carried on 10 October, the NCM said the Makkah Region would see moderate to heavy rain that could cause flash floods, with hail and downdraft winds that raise dust and sand. It named Makkah city, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, Bahrah, Taif, and other governorates, with lighter rain elsewhere in the region (Saudi Gazette; GDN, from SPA). The NCM’s report for Sunday 11 October again listed Makkah among regions expecting moderate to heavy thunderstorms (Ajel).

    Check the latest alerts on the NCM website before you go out, because warnings are updated through the day.

    What Civil Defense asks

    The General Directorate of Civil Defense asked everyone to:

    • stay alert and remain in safe places;
    • keep away from valleys and places where floodwater collects;
    • never swim in floodwater;
    • follow instructions issued through the media and official social accounts.

    Practical steps for Makkah families

    • Plan Haram trips around alerts. If an alert is active, travel earlier or later. Our Makkah buses guide and Haramain train guide help when you would rather not drive.
    • Avoid wadis and underpasses. Makkah is surrounded by hills and valleys. Do not drive through moving water.
    • Keep children indoors during storms and away from water channels.
    • Charge phones and keep emergency numbers handy. See our emergency numbers and hospitals guide.
    • Check balconies and roofs. Bring in loose items before strong winds.

    The bigger picture this season

    The NCM’s seasonal outlook expects above-average rain across most regions in October and November (Saudi Gazette), so these habits will be useful beyond this week.

    FAQ

    Until when are storms expected?

    Civil Defense said thunderstorms are expected across most regions through Wednesday. Check the NCM for updates.

    Is it safe to drive to the Haram during rain?

    Follow the active alerts. Avoid valleys and flooded roads, and consider public transport.

    Where do I get official alerts?

    From the National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense official channels.

  • How Makkah Residents Book an Umrah Permit on Nusuk

    How Makkah Residents Book an Umrah Permit on Nusuk

    If you live in Makkah, booking an Umrah permit on Nusuk is a quick process on the official platform. These are the steps on the government service page, with practical tips for families.

    For the rites themselves, see our step-by-step guide to performing Umrah.

    The official steps

    The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s service page lists five steps (haj.gov.sa: Umrah permit application):

    1. Open the service and choose “Execute Service”.
    2. Log in to, or create, a Nusuk account using Nafath (the National Single Sign-On).
    3. Choose “Umrah Permit Booking”.
    4. Pick a date and an available time slot.
    5. Issue the permit.

    Who it is for, and the cost

    The same page lists visitors, GCC citizens, citizens and residents as the target group. It says the service is free, is issued immediately, and is available through the Nusuk app and website. The platform itself is nusuk.sa, which describes itself as the official platform supervised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

    Practical tips for families

    • Make sure each adult can log in with Nafath before the day you want to go.
    • Choose a slot that fits your route to the Haram. Our Makkah bus guide can help you plan the trip.
    • Fridays are busier, so read our Friday in Makkah guide if you are planning around Jumu’ah.
    • Rules can change in peak seasons. Check Nusuk for your dates rather than relying on what applied last time.

    Seasons and busy periods

    Crowd levels and local logistics shift around Ramadan and other busy periods. For getting to the Haram for night prayers in Ramadan, see our Taraweeh logistics guide for residents. Always confirm your permit dates and slots on Nusuk rather than assuming last season’s pattern still applies.

    FAQ

    Does the Umrah permit cost anything?

    The ministry’s service page lists the cost as free.

    How long does it take to issue?

    The service page lists the duration as immediate.

    What login do I need?

    A Nusuk account, opened or accessed through Nafath.

    Last checked: 15 October 2026.

  • Shopping and Groceries in Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    Shopping and Groceries in Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    Weekly shopping in Makkah follows the city’s own calendar: prayer times, Fridays, Ramadan nights and the Hajj season all change when stores are busy and how easy they are to reach. A little timing know-how saves a lot of waiting.

    This guide covers the main types of shops residents use, when to go, how delivery fits in, and where to turn if something goes wrong. It names no stores and quotes no prices.

    Quick answer

    Shop early in the day or after Isha, avoid the hours just before Jumu’ah and Iftar, and stock up before Ramadan and the Hajj season. Use delivery apps when roads near the centre are busy. Prices on display must include VAT, and you can report problems to the Ministry of Commerce on 1900.

    Key takeaways

    • Prayer times: shops have been allowed to stay open during prayers since a 2021 business circular, though many still pause (Reuters).
    • VAT: advertised prices for goods must include VAT (ZATCA).
    • Commerce complaints: use the Balagh Tijari app or call 1900 (Ministry of Commerce).
    • Food safety: the SFDA’s unified call centre is 19999 (SFDA).

    The main ways residents shop

    Most households in Makkah mix three or four kinds of shopping, depending on what they need and how far they are from the centre.

    • Hypermarkets and large supermarkets: good for a big weekly shop, with parking, fresh counters and household goods under one roof. They are usually on main roads and inside malls.
    • Neighborhood grocery shops (baqala): small corner stores for bread, milk, water and everyday top-ups. Many families rely on one within walking distance.
    • Fresh produce, meat and fish markets: traditional markets and specialist shops for fruit, vegetables, dates and fresh meat, often favoured for quality and choice.
    • Malls: for clothing, household items and children’s shopping, with food courts and indoor space in the hotter months.

    Near Al-Masjid Al-Haram, shops cater heavily to visitors. Residents living further out often find their weekly shop easier in their own district.

    To compare prices between shops, look at the shelf price and your receipt rather than adding tax in your head: under ZATCA rules the advertised price must already include VAT.

    Timing your trips around prayer

    Prayer times shape the rhythm of the day. A 2021 circular from the Federation of Saudi Chambers allowed shops to stay open during prayers, but practice still varies, and some stores pause or slow down while staff pray.

    The practical rule is simple: don’t plan a rushed trip for the minutes just before or during a prayer. Leave a buffer, especially before Maghrib, when many people shop on their way home.

    Fridays need their own plan. Traffic and parking near masjids get busy before Jumu’ah, so many residents shop on Thursday evening or Friday afternoon instead. Our Friday in Makkah guide has more on planning the day.

    Tip

    Check a store’s current hours on its official app or listing before a late trip. Some businesses operate through the night with a municipal permit, but not all do.

    Ramadan, Eid and the Hajj season

    Ramadan changes everything. Daytime shopping is quieter, the hour before Iftar is busy, and stores and malls are often lively late into the night. The SFDA has said it steps up inspections of food facilities during the month.

    Before Eid, expect crowded malls and longer queues, especially for clothes and sweets. Shopping a week or more early makes it calmer.

    During the Hajj season and other peak periods, roads near the central area and the holy sites can be closed or diverted. Residents often stock up on staples beforehand and lean on neighbourhood shops and delivery until things ease.

    PeriodUsually busierUsually calmer
    Ordinary weekdaysEarly evening, after workMornings and after Isha
    FridaysBefore Jumu’ahFriday afternoon or Thursday evening
    RamadanThe hour before Iftar, late nightsLate morning and early afternoon
    Before EidThe last few daysA week or more ahead
    Hajj seasonAreas near the centre and holy sitesYour own district, or delivery
    When to shop: busy vs calmer times

    Using delivery apps sensibly

    Grocery and food delivery apps are a real help when it is hot, when roads are busy, or when you have young children at home.

    Check the app’s own help pages for fees and refunds before your first order. The steps below cover the rest.

    A smoother delivery order

    1

    Download from the official store: use well-known apps from the App Store or Google Play only.

    2

    Save your location carefully: add your building, entrance and a landmark the driver can find.

    3

    Set substitution preferences: choose whether to accept, reject or be called about swaps.

    4

    Time it well: avoid ordering right before Iftar or Jumu’ah, when demand peaks.

    5

    Check on arrival: look at seals, dates and temperatures before the driver leaves.

    Watch for fake delivery messages. Never pay for a “missed parcel” or “delivery fee” through a link sent by text. Open the app you ordered from and check the order there instead.

    Prices, receipts and your rights

    Under ZATCA’s retail guidance, the price advertised for goods and services in the local market must include VAT. Keep your receipt for anything you might return, and check the store’s return policy before you buy larger items.

    If a shop overcharges, misleads you or refuses a valid return, the Ministry of Commerce says complaints should only go through its Balagh Tijari app or by calling 1900, and not through unofficial websites.

    For food safety concerns, such as spoiled or wrongly labelled food, you can contact the SFDA on 19999. For hygiene problems at a local shop or restaurant, the municipal services line 940 takes reports, which are passed to the responsible municipality.

    Warning

    Be wary of social media sellers offering food, Zamzam or medicines with no shop, licence or receipt. Buy from licensed stores so you have a way to complain if something is wrong.

    Smart shopping habits

    • Main shop planned for a calm time, not right before a prayer
    • Staples stocked before Ramadan and the Hajj season
    • Delivery address saved with a clear landmark
    • Receipts kept for larger purchases
    • 1900, 19999 and 940 saved in your phone

    Last checked: 14 October 2026.

    This guide is general information for residents and does not endorse any store or app. Rules and services can change; check official sources for the latest details.

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  • Friday in Makkah: A Practical Planning Guide for Residents and Families

    Friday in Makkah: A Practical Planning Guide for Residents and Families

    For anyone living in Makkah, Friday has its own rhythm. It is the day of Jumu’ah, the day many families rest, and — near Al-Masjid Al-Haram — often one of the busiest days of the week. A little planning makes Friday calmer, whether you are heading to the Haram, praying in your neighborhood masjid, or simply trying to get the week’s errands done.

    Hosting first-time visitors? Share our guide to your first Friday prayer in Makkah or Madinah.

    This guide is written for residents and longer-stay visitors. It stays practical and avoids fixed times, because prayer times move through the year and local arrangements can change.

    Decide early: the Haram or your neighborhood masjid?

    Many residents pray Jumu’ah at their local masjid most weeks and plan a Haram Friday for when they can set aside extra time. Both are good choices — the right one depends on your day.

    Praying near the Haram works best when you can:

    • Leave well before the adhan, so you are not searching for space at the last minute.
    • Stay a while afterwards instead of joining the immediate rush out.
    • Carry only what you need (water, a light prayer mat if you use one, your phone and ID).

    Your neighborhood masjid often suits:

    • Parents with young children or older relatives.
    • Days with summer heat, when walking long distances outdoors is hard.
    • Anyone who needs to be back home or at work soon after the prayer.

    Getting there and back

    Traffic around the central area builds up before Jumu’ah and again straight after it. Some practical options:

    • Makkah Buses. The public bus network run under the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites links many districts with the central area. Check the official route map and service notices before you set out, because routes and stops can be adjusted, especially in busy seasons. See our getting around overview for the basics.
    • Ride-hailing and taxis. Useful, but expect slower journeys and drop-off points that may be some distance from where you want to be. Agree a clear pickup spot with family members in advance.
    • Driving. If you drive, plan your parking before you leave and follow traffic officers’ directions. Road closures and diversions near the Haram are normal on busy days.

    Tip: Agree on a meeting point and a time with everyone in your group. Phone signal is generally good, but crowds make it hard to find each other quickly.

    Heat, hydration and health

    Makkah’s climate is hot for much of the year, and Fridays often mean more time outside.

    • Drink water before you leave and carry some with you.
    • Use shade, a light head covering, and comfortable footwear.
    • Plan to walk in the cooler parts of the day where you can.
    • If someone feels unwell and you’re not sure what to do, the Ministry of Health’s 937 line gives medical advice around the clock from inside the Kingdom. In an emergency, call the emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

    Family logistics

    • Children: Write a parent’s phone number on a card or wristband for younger children. Show them a simple “if we get separated” plan, such as going to the nearest staff member or security officer.
    • Older relatives: Pick a route with less walking, allow rest stops, and think about praying at a closer masjid.
    • Strollers and wheelchairs: Expect crowd pinch points near entrances. Going earlier and leaving later usually makes the trip easier.

    Getting errands done around Friday

    Plenty of businesses adjust their hours around prayer times, and Friday is no exception. To avoid wasted trips:

    • Do grocery and pharmacy runs on Thursday evening or Friday afternoon, not just before Jumu’ah.
    • Check opening hours on the shop’s official listing or by calling ahead, rather than assuming weekday hours apply.
    • Use delivery apps for groceries and household items if you would rather stay home.

    See our living tips for more on groceries and daily needs.

    A simple Friday checklist

    1. Choose: Haram or neighborhood masjid.
    2. Check the transport option you’ll use (bus route, ride-hailing pickup point or parking).
    3. Pack water, ID and phone; charge your phone.
    4. Agree a meeting point with your family.
    5. Move errands to Thursday evening or Friday afternoon.

    Respect and patience go a long way

    Friday crowds in Makkah are made up of residents and visitors from all over the world. Patience, following official instructions and staff directions, and keeping walkways clear help everyone. A calm Friday is often a planned Friday.

    More guides are on the Living in Makkah homepage.

    This guide is general information for residents. Always follow official instructions and on-the-ground guidance from authorities.

    Sources