Mecca

Visit the holiest meeting site of Islam

In its modern period Mecca has seen a great expansion in size and infrastructure. The modern day city is the capital of Saudi Arabia's Mecca Province, in the historic Hejaz region. A pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam and one of the ten Branches of Religion in Shi'a Islam, and thus obligatory for all Muslims with the physical and financial ability to make it. Over three million Muslims visit the city during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah yearly.

Getting there

Travel for less to Jeddah - the gateway to Mecca. The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, used only for the Hajj, is served mostly by charter flights, although there are also some scheduled services as well.

Transportation

There is an excellent modern multi-lane highway from Jeddah whereby the SAPTCO bus service runs straight to Mecca. There are two terminals: the main terminal outside city limits is open to all, but the city centre terminal at the Haram al Sharif, used mainly by buses to Jeddah, is restricted to Muslims only.

Explore

Hike the Mountains of Mecca, visit Ghar Hira, where the first verse of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed, pray and read the Quran at the Kaaba, exlpore Mina and the site of stoning the devil and shop at the many malls and markets widely available in the city.

Please note: Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the holy city of Mecca.