Saudi Arabia has announced the development of a state-of-the-art cable car system that will facilitate easier access to the Cave of Hira in Mecca’s Jabal Al Noor, with an expected completion date in 2025.

The project is designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience, making it easier for visitors to reach this significant historical and religious site.

Enhancing Pilgrimage Experience

The cable car system will provide a modern and efficient means of reaching the Cave of Hira, located at an altitude of approximately 634 meters and 4 kilometers from the Grand Mosque. This site is revered by Muslims worldwide as the location where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) received his first revelation.

Part of a Broader Development Plan

The construction of the cable car is a key component of a larger development plan, which also includes the completion of the Hira Cultural District and the opening of three new museums in Jabal Omar within the same year.

Launching of Mount Thor Cultural District

Additionally, 2025 will witness the launch of the Mount Thor Cultural District project, an integrated neighborhood offering a variety of services, designed to complement the developments in the Hira Cultural District.

Significance of Jabal Al Noor and Cave of Hira

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasized the historical and religious importance of Mount Al Noor and the Cave of Hira, both central to Mecca’s rich Islamic heritage. Jabal Al Noor, or the Mountain of Light, is notable for its unique shape, resembling a camel’s hump, and its steep slopes.

About the Cave of Hira

The Cave of Hira itself can accommodate up to five seated individuals and holds profound significance due to its association with the Prophet’s early revelations. The mountain spans an area of 55 square kilometers, featuring a steep incline from 380 meters to 500 meters, before rising almost vertically to the summit.