Makkah — Al Aziziyah
Makkah — Al Aziziyah
Al Aziziyah (sometimes spelled Al-ʿAzīzīyah or simply Aziziyah), is a high density area of Makkah located just west of the Holy City and close to the Western entrance of the Kaaba. For many pilgrims visiting Makkah, it is a familiar name given its position on the primary routes leading into Makkah from Medina and Jeddah.
In general, pilgrims have three primary reasons for staying in Aziziyah, namely, because there are many hotels located along the roads leading into Aziziyah serving pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, the availability of food options and convenience to the various major routes leading into Makkah, ie Mina, Arafat, and the Haram. Over the past few years, several hotels have opened in Aziziyah due to the increased demand for mid-range and economical accommodations. There are a wide variety of accommodation options available through various reservation websites, including some with family suites or apartments.
Aziziyah has become a practical base of operation because there are access routes leading from Aziziyah to Mina, Arafat, and the Haram and therefore, traffic patterns and pilgrim traffic almost always pass through this area. Aziziyah is especially crowded during Hajj and peak Umrah months when many pilgrims use Aziziyah to avoid the high cost and intense congestion found surrounding the Grand Mosque. The vast majority of travel and local maps will refer to Aziziyah as a high density suburban area that is designed to satisfy all of the needs of the pilgrimage economy.
What you’ll find in Aziziyah
In summary, there is a diverse selection of practical services offered to pilgrims. This includes options for food, lodging and shopping.
Practically speaking there are restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, hotels, local vendors selling food and snack-style items to eat on the go, as well as many inexpensive but plentiful eating options at local restaurants. You will find many vendors on the street selling meals (ready to eat) and snacks, many of the stores open 24 hours a day during peak season and the food scene is one of the most vibrant in the entire area. Additionally the prices of products sold in this area are much lower than they are in the immediate vicinity of the Haram.
Hotels in the Aziziyah region offer everything from simple hostels to larger full-service hotels operated by various international chains and/or branded hotels with "Al Aziziah" in the name. The hotels typically offer guest facilities, such as free Wi-Fi and hospitality services, including fitness amenities and shuttle services between the hotel and the Haram. Once again, quality and price varies greatly from one hotel to another so be sure to check the latest guest reviews before making a booking decision.
Practical tips for pilgrims and visitors
Make transportation arrangements ahead of time. Roadways are slow during certain time periods associated with prayer and travel/religious pilgrimage. If you need to get to the mosque quickly, look for a hotel that provides a shuttle to Masjid al-Haram. There are numerous hotels in Aziziyah that promote shuttle/provisions for organization of travel for Umrah and Hajj.
Book the accommodations and other logistics for Hajj and major Islamic holidays as soon as possible because it is very likely that all hotel rooms will be completely booked before you know it. Aziziyah fills up quickly and is usually at or above capacity during the entire Hajj period. Local travel groups or travel agencies are always able to provide recommendations for hotels/buildings etc. many months before the actual Hajj date. Please consult with recently traveled members of your community, as they will have the most updated/changing/revised community group reports and will help answer any outstanding questions you may have. Consult with the most current updates/reports from groups that have community representation from the area.
Use local currency for both cash and coins. Many small vendors and food service outlets do not accept either of these card payments (debit/credit). Carry comfortable shoes, as most members spend most of their time walking long distances (so many miles!) through shopping malls and hotels outside and around the mosque. Keep a printed copy or electronic screenshot of your hotel address in Arabic to show to taxi drivers when arriving at or departing from the airport, as this will help in saving time and reducing stress.
Safety, cleanliness, and modern services
Aziziyah is serviced by several large roads maintained by local government, including roads used for Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia's government uses seasonal crowd control management to manage traffic access and implement plans accordingly from October through December as well as implementing improved hotel service standards for hotels offering hospitality for international guests travelling to perform Hajj.
Check with official announcements or check on the day of travel for the most current information regarding route changes or advisory notices for how to get to Aziziyah.
Choose types of hotels that have received supportive and positive reviews to assure cleanliness, safe hygiene and comfort.
Ensure that your type of hotel provides all the required information regarding their cleaning methods, location(s), types of hotel food provided, and their location(s). Check the reviews of the hotel from the date of your trip.
Local culture and human notes
Aziziyah is a vibrant time and place, where you can engage with people from family, friends and many individuals throughout the pilgrimage. Local business owners and vendors go to great lengths to provide excellent customer service for visitors. You will notice a great deal of activity surrounding the sites during the months leading up to and throughout the pilgrimage. The locals are familiar with serving people who come from different backgrounds and have different experiences; therefore, you will experience a warm and friendly atmosphere while visiting Aziziyah from all walks of life. You will see signs in many languages on the streets and in shop windows. You can also view video footage on social media platforms from 2025 depicting thousands of pilgrims who travel to Aziziyah during the pilgrimage season.
Quick checklist before you go
1. Reserve your accommodation well in advance, particularly for Hajj.
2. Verify that your shuttle service or other method of transportation will take you to Masjid al-Haram.
3. Maintain an Arabic and English copy of your hotel information.
4. Bring small amounts of cash with you to use at fast food stalls and/or shopping booths you encounter along the route.
5. Look at recent tripadvisor reviews of your hotel to see what other customers think about it.
Final thoughts
Al Aziziyah is a critical suburb to the Makkah's Hajj / Umrah pilgrimage area, but it is not the core area of the holy sites of Makkah. Instead, Al Aziziyah has many different attributes that allow pilgrims to access the area's major religious sites in an inexpensive and convenient manner. For many, it is an ideal location between price and convenience.
To help plan your trip to Makkah, the team at BookUmrahToday.com has created reliable resources on hotel options and useful travel tips for those travelling to Al Aziziyah. These resources can assist you in selecting your most comfortable hotel and provide you with travel options to make your pilgrimage to Makkah a memorable and rewarding experience.
By using reliable websites such as BookUmrahToday.com will provide you access to current conditions for roads, hotel services, and shuttle services in and around Makkah, particularly during the Hajj / Umrah peak season. Following the team's recommendations will help you to have a smooth and easy journey to Makkah.
Overall, Al Aziziyah is the practical side of your journey to Makkah, and companies such as BookUmrahToday.com are available to help you navigate that journey with the confidence and efficiency needed to be successful.
