On the 27th night of Ramadan, over 3 million worshippers gathered at Al Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the night prayers of Isha, Taraweeh, and Qiyam Al Layl.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Sudais concluded the prayers in Makkah with worshippers seeking Laylatul Qadr, which is known as the Night of Power and marks the night when the first verses of The Holy Quran were revealed.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy offered enhanced services and crowd management to ensure the smooth flow of millions of pilgrims around the Holy Mosques.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The sheer number of attendees on this night is staggering. The Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram, welcomed approximately 3.41 million worshippers, while the Prophet’s Mosque saw an equally impressive turnout.
This unprecedented influx of believers created an overwhelming sense of unity as individuals from all walks of life came together in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
Detailed Attendance Figures
The sheer volume of worshippers was staggering. According to reports, the breakdown of attendees for various prayers on this night was as follows:
- Fajr Prayer: 703,000 worshippers
- Dhuhr Prayer: 614,300 worshippers
- Asr Prayer: 643,900 worshippers
- Maghrib Prayer: 740,100 worshippers
- Isha Prayer: 740,100 worshippers
These figures illustrate the overwhelming desire of the faithful to engage in worship during this auspicious time.
Overflowing Spaces
Every corner of the Two Holy Mosques was filled to capacity. Worshippers occupied not only the prayer halls but also the courtyards, corridors, and even the surrounding streets. This phenomenon illustrated the powerful draw of Laylatul Qadr, as individuals traveled from near and far to partake in this sacred night.
Special Prayers
The Essence of Worship
At the heart of the evening were the special prayers of Taraweeh and Qiyamullail, which are integral to the observance of Ramadan. These prayers serve as a means for worshippers to deepen their connection with Allah and seek His blessings.
The atmosphere during these prayers was one of intense devotion, with individuals pouring their hearts out in supplication.
The Significance of Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr holds a special place in Islamic tradition. It is believed to be the night when the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The significance of this night is underscored by the belief that worship during Laylatul Qadr is more rewarding than a thousand months of worship.
This spiritual importance draws millions of Muslims to the Two Holy Mosques, eager to partake in the night’s offerings of prayer and reflection.
The Prophet Muhmammad (May Allah Shower his Blessing Upon Him) said:
“Whoever established Salat (prayer) on the night of Qadr with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Leadership in Prayer
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, the esteemed Imam of the Grand Mosque, led the prayers, guiding the congregation through this spiritually enriching experience. His presence added a layer of reverence to the proceedings, as worshippers followed his lead in prayer and reflection.
Saudi Arbia’s Management Services
Operational Excellence
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques implemented a comprehensive operational plan to ensure the smooth flow of worshippers. This included mobilizing resources and coordinating with various agencies to maintain order and security.
Enhanced Facilities
To accommodate the massive turnout, the authority provided numerous services, including the availability of copies of the Holy Qur’an in multiple languages.
Cleaning crews worked diligently to maintain the cleanliness of the mosques, while air conditioning and ventilation systems were optimized for the comfort of worshippers.
Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association
With such a large number of attendees, effective crowd management was essential. Over 400 scouts from the Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association played a crucial role in guiding worshippers, managing crowds, and ensuring safety throughout the mosques.
The Spiritual Atmosphere
A Collective Experience
The atmosphere during the 27th night of Ramadan was electric, characterized by a shared sense of faith and community. Worshippers stood shoulder to shoulder under the rain, united in their devotion and commitment to seeking Allah’s blessings.
Emotional Expressions
The night saw many individuals moved to tears as they engaged in prayer and reflection. The combination of the spiritual ambiance and the significance of Laylatul Qadr created an environment ripe for emotional expressions of faith.
Spiritual Milestone Reached
The 27th night of Ramadan in 2025 will be remembered as a historic gathering of faith, where over three million worshippers united at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The meticulous planning and execution by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques ensured a seamless experience for all attendees.
As the faithful continue to seek the blessings of Ramadan, this record breaking numbers is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the Islamic world.
Redefining Hospitality Projects in Makkah
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Makkah
Marriott International has signed an agreement to launch the largest Courtyard by Marriott hotel in the world in Holy Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Marriott is teaming up with BinDawood Trading subsidiaries to open the hotel in the Al Naseem district of Makkah in 2026, InshaAllah.
Scheduled to be named Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, the hotel is set to feature 2,179 keys and an 1,800 capacity restaurant.
The project supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to host 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims each year by 2030.
Opening of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah
Radisson Hotel Group has introduced the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher Algharbi, further strengthening its footprint in the Holy City.
Situated within the Thakher City development, just 2.1 km from Al Masjid Al Haram, the hotel boasts 161 upscale rooms and provides a round-the-clock shuttle service to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The Thakher Makkah project is designed to host up to 1.6 million pilgrims once fully completed.
Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah
Accor, a top global hotel brand, has announced the Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences in Makkah, an MGallery Collection hotel in collaboration with Alesayi Holding Group.
Opening in 2028, this luxury boutique property will include 276 hotel rooms and 214 residences for sale.
The design will incorporate Islamic heritage themes, with the first floor dedicated to Omar Ibn Al Khattab, the second caliph of Islam.
Masar Makkah Destination
The hotel landscape in Makkah is about to undergo a significant transformation with a massive investment of $666.6 million into the highly anticipated Masar Destination.
The Masar Destination, owned by Umm Al-Qura for Development and Construction Co., has partnered with the General Authority of Awqaf to bring over 1,000 new upscale hotel rooms to the sacred city of Makkah.
The centerpiece of this project is the Residential Towers, which showcase the ambitious vision of Masar Destination.
In September 2023, Umm Al-Qura announced a collaboration with Scope Properties to construct Residential Towers in Makkah, a project worth $240 Million (SAR900 million).
Jabal Omar Development
The Jabal Omar Development Project, an 8 Billion SAR project, is a one-of-a-kind initiative focused on revitalizing the urban area to offer high-quality lodging and facilitate religious, social, and business amenities and resources for both tourists and inhabitants of the sacred city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
By 2030, Jabal Omar Development Company plans to run 15 hotels across 230,000 square meters of area. These hotels will offer a direct view of Al Masjid Al Haram, providing guests with a convenient and spiritually enriching experience.
Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel
The Jumeirah Jabal Omar Hotel in the Holy City of Makkah, the first hotel in Saudi Arabia by the Jumeirah Hotel group from Dubai, has been officially announced to be open.
Located in the second phase of the Jabal Omar development, the hotel is positioned in the heart of Jabal Omar near the Grand Mosque, Al Masjid Al Haram.
Featuring more than 1000 rooms and suites, some offering direct views of the haram, the hotel strives to provide extraordinary experiences to pilgrims on their Hajj and Umrah journeys.
Address Hotel Jabal Omar
The 5-star Address Jabal Omar Makkah Hotel provides a luxurious stay, dining options, and other amenities, making it a spiritual sanctuary in the center of Makkah. Just 1640 feet from Masjid Al Haram, the hotel offers a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge, and a restaurant for its guests.
The 5-star Address Hotel in Jabal Omar Makkah has also revealed Sky Musallah, the highest prayer room in the world, located within a sky bridge.
It has earned a Guinness World Record at an impressive 483 meters above sea level. The Sky Musallah offers stunning panoramic views of Al Masjid Al Haram, The Holy Kaaba, and Makkah City.
The sky bridge connects the two twin towers of The Address Jabal Omar Hotel, spanning the 36th to 38th floors, and has a capacity of 520 people. It is a remarkable lookout point for guests staying at this iconic and centrally located hotel in Makkah.
Renowned Hotels in Jabal Omar Makkah
- Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel
- Hilton Suites Makkah Hotel
- Conrad Makkah
- Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah Jabal Omar Hotel
- Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah
Voco Makkah
To provide for religious travelers’ needs during the Hajj or Umrah seasons, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its premium Voco brand in Makkah. Voco Makkah is the third Voco property in Saudi Arabia and the largest globally, with 4,321 keys.
Keep Reading: Marriott International to Open the World’s Largest Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Makkah
