Authorities overseeing the Grand Mosque have announced designated visiting hours for Hijr Ismail, the semi-circular area adjoining the Holy Kaaba that holds special religious significance for worshippers.
Under the new schedule, women will be permitted to enter Hijr Ismail daily from 6am to 9am, while men will have access from 10pm to 1am.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque said the timings form part of efforts to organise visitor movement, improve crowd management and facilitate worship within the Grand Mosque.
Officials said the arrangement is intended to ensure smoother access for worshippers while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Hijr Ismail is located on the northern side of the Kaaba and occupies a prominent position within the Grand Mosque.
Historical accounts indicate that the area originally formed part of the foundations of the Kaaba built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.
However, when the Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba before the advent of Islam, they excluded the section from the structure because of financial constraints, leaving the building in its current form.
As a result, Hijr Ismail continues to hold a unique place in the history of the Holy Kaaba and remains one of the most visited areas within the Grand Mosque.