The administration of Harmain Shareefain introduced a locomotive facility for disabled and elderly pilgrims to perform the Tawaf of Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwa.

The 24News HD TV channel reported on Thursday that according to the Harmain Shareefain General Presidency, the locomotive (vehicle) is 2.98 meters long and one meter wide.

This vehicle is made of fibreglass and can run up to 30 kilometres with the help of 8 batteries. Apart from the driver, 7 people can ride in this vehicle at a time.

The vehicle has the ability to turn 360 degrees and can be moved up and down with a large lift.

The channel report said that the locomotive facility has been provided to pilgrims under the supervision of the head of the Harmain Shareefain Administration Sheikh Dr Abdul Rahman Al Sudais.

It is worth mentioning that the ritual of Tawaf involves walking seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba during performing Hajj and Umrah. Upon arriving at Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām, pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of Umrah or as a welcome tawaf.

Pertinent to mention here too that the Sa’i is one of the integral rites of Hajj and Umrah and refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, located adjacent to the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.

Reporter: Khalid Cheema