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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Kaaba Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | gph.gov.sa |
Saudi Arabia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Saudi Riyal (SAR) £1 ≈ SAR 4.99 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia, especially in urban areas and large businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in Saudi Arabia, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip in restaurants, taxis, and hotels is appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Alcohol consumption is illegal, and there are heavy penalties for violations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| National Day (23 September) |
Celebrates the founding of Saudi Arabia |
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| Eid al-Fitr (variable) |
Marks the end of Ramadan with celebrations |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 911 (General), 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Careem |
| Other: | Saudi Arabia is known for its vast deserts, historic cities, and religious significance, particularly in Islam. It offers a mix of modernity and tradition. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Kaaba, Saudi Arabia
Only Muslims may enter Mecca; all other visitors are barred from the city
Hajj (a few days in Dhul Hijjah) and Ramadan bring the largest crowds, with strict permit rules for Hajj
Umrah visas and permits are required; the mataf is busiest at prayer times
Don't miss
- 🕋 Perform the Tawaf ritual by circling the Kaaba seven times
- 🪨 Touch or kiss the Black Stone if the crowd allows
- 🙏 Participate in prayers facing the Kaaba’s direction
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Kaaba is a cuboid-shaped stone structure draped in a black silk cloth called the Kiswah. It is believed to have been originally built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael and serves as the qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayers worldwide.
The Kaaba resides in the Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world, which accommodates millions of worshippers during yearly Hajj and throughout the year. The surrounding area includes sacred elements such as the Black Stone – a dark rock embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba – which pilgrims attempt to touch or kiss during the circumambulation ritual known as Tawaf.
While the spiritual experience at the Kaaba is profound and transformative for believers, the area is often extremely crowded, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. Pilgrims must prepare for heat, physical exertion and large crowds. Strict codes of conduct and religious requirements govern access and behavior.
The visit demands physical stamina and a respectful, patient mindset to navigate rituals amidst millions; it is not an ordinary tourist destination but a deeply revered religious site offering a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.
Why travel to Kaaba?
Knowledge before you go
- Muslims only. Non-Muslims strictly prohibited from entering Mecca.
- Perform Tawaf counterclockwise seven times during Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage rituals.
- Obtain Nusuk permit via app; required for prayer access during peak seasons.
- Black Stone corner kissed by Prophet Muhammad; approach via queues on upper mataf.
How to travel to Kaaba
Travelers arrive via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina. From there, pilgrims travel to Mecca by bus or private transport, with many organized Hajj groups managing logistics. Entry to the Kaaba area requires appropriate religious status and prior permits for pilgrimage.
Access summary
- From Jeddah Airport (JED): Taxi or shuttle to Mecca, about 75–90 min.
- From Jeddah city: Highway buses or taxis to Mecca, roughly 60–90 min.
- From Medina: Haramain high-speed train to Mecca, then taxi/shuttle, around 3–4 hours total.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Kaaba
Accommodations in Mecca range from luxurious hotels near Masjid al-Haram to more affordable guesthouses and apartments, catering primarily to pilgrims and religious visitors.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Kaaba
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌀
Portable fan
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 53% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SAR) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Mecca remains highly secure, with extensive police presence and surveillance around the Kaaba. Criminal incidents are rare; theft or assault is uncommon due to crowd density. Visitors should stay hydrated, avoid isolated areas after dark and follow local guidance for a safe pilgrimage.
Accessibility
Mecca’s Kaaba area offers limited accessibility: ramps and elevators are available at major entrances, but narrow streets and crowds can hinder mobility. Wheelchair users should plan for guided assistance and note that some prayer spaces lack tactile signage or audio cues.
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