Makkah is extremely important in the Islamic faith. Millions of Muslim tourists from all over the world complete the sacred ceremonies of Hajj and Umrah. A first-time tourist may find it challenging to explore this beautiful city. The absence of points of reference, crowded streets, and small streets make this particularly true. Pocket GPS on your smartphone might greatly assist you in finding yourself on the Makkah land during your journey.
Download an Offline Map App
After booking Umrah packages from UK downloading an offline map app ahead of time is quite beneficial. This is because mobile service and Wi-Fi can be poor when many people crowd in one location. For example, Google Maps allows users to download full nation or city maps and utilize them offline. Download one of the reputable maps before travelling. So you can get walking directions, nearby areas of interest, and search even if you don’t have internet connectivity. These apps employ the GPS in your phone to monitor your movement.
Purchase a Local SIM Card
It’s an excellent option to get a local Saudi SIM card at the airport for an unlocked phone. This will provide you with cellular data so you can utilize apps and navigation online. It’s really useful to have internet access while on a trip. This is particularly true if you wish to search for a specific item, like a restaurant. Or if you haven’t stored a map offline on your mobile. There are numerous stores and stalls in Makkah and the airports where you can buy SIM cards. You can even seek assistance from Umrah packages providers.
Use Landmarks for Navigation
Makkah lacks adequate street signs and house numbers. Because of this, most people give directions using landmarks like buildings or crossroads. Notable locations include the Haram Grand Mosque, Safa & Marwa, Mina, the Kaaba, and Makkah Clock Tower. The Hilton Suites Makkah is one of the most prominent hotels in the area. The GPS in your car will help you locate yourself if you provide these precise coordinates. Umrah package 2025 providers also offer tour guide services. Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj so most of the pilgrims avail Ramadan Umrah Packages from Hajj Umrah Package UK.
Mark Your Accommodations
Save the precise place as a favourite, regardless of whether you’re in a camp city like Mina, a hotel, or an apartment. At check-in or during setup, complete this in the GPS app. This allows you to move backwards in the instructions in the evening after a long day of visiting sites. After spending more than 12 hours in the sun, you can feel too tired to walk about. This makes it more difficult for you to get back. It would be less stressful to have your accommodation traced by GPS every time you return. You can inquire about GPS with your Umrah package 2025 planner.
Transportation should be GPS-enabled
Since ridesharing apps are not available in Saudi Arabia, tourists can get around using integrated GPS. SAPTCO buses provide precise services connecting holy sites in Mecca, including GPS for time and direction to help pilgrims. There are also legal taxis available for international visitors, complete with taximeters and GPS. Therefore, it’s useful to enter the name of your hotel and receive the GPS route to the location. It removes the component of language from the equation.
Turn on location-sharing
Smartphones now allow you to inform your friends exactly where you are using tools like Find My Friends and WhatsApp. Engaging with your travelling companions will allow you to see one another amidst Makkah’s vast population. This is particularly helpful if you lose a significant other. Choose the app you’ll use to share times and locations when performing the Hajj or Umrah in the Haram.
Employ audio navigation
It’s dangerous to move among pedestrian crowds while always staring at a phone screen. You may hit items or people because you’re not looking up. Phone headphones can understand GPS instructions because of some audio mapping functions. It is safer to hear an order like “turn right in 500 feet” than while staring at a visual map. However, make sure you turn it loud enough to hear among the other noises in a location or region.
Additionally, always plan for a backup in case GPS is unavailable. There is always a chance to get into some issues while using complicated technology in different settings. High-rise structures can occasionally interfere with GPS transmissions. Moreover, utilizing multiple apps can quickly consume a phone’s battery. It is advisable to always have an emergency exit strategy in case you can’t rely on your devices.
Just imagine bringing along a small physical map of Makkah; it will be enough to get you back on track. Similarly, memorize emergency phone numbers and your hotel’s address in Arabic or another language. Sharing meeting locations will help you get assistance from locals in case your GPS program malfunctions.
How to set up GPS-offline car navigation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on an iOS device?
- Open the required website, and select Continue To App from the navigation menu. You can access the App Store.
- You can download the application after you see the Mecca, Saudi Arabia GPS on your iOS device. After that, set it up on your device. Click the GET button, which is on the app’s right side, to begin the download.
- If the iOS app store is not already open, you will be asked for your Apple ID and/or password.
- After downloading Saudi Arabia GPS – Offline Car Navigation, you will see an INSTALL button on the right. Click on it to start downloading and installing the iOS app.
- Click on it to start downloading and installing the iOS app. It will also install an icon on the home screen of your device.
Using a GPS can help you navigate the compact and intricate city of Makkah with less stress and uncertainty. This makes navigation much easier for visitors. Remember that technology should never put you in danger; however, do not overlook it. Drivers should therefore maintain awareness of their surroundings when using GPS as an assistance technology. You must have backup plans in case of device failure to ensure the greatest experience during pilgrimages.
