Yes, you can perform Hajj in a wheelchair. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in making the holy sites accessible, with dedicated wheelchair lanes, free wheelchair services, and electric scooter rentals available across Makkah and Madinah. Here is everything you need to know about performing Hajj 2026 in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair Services at Masjid al-Haram
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques provides free manual wheelchairs at several gates of Masjid al-Haram, including King Abdul Aziz Gate, Gate 74, and Ajyad Gate. You can request one directly at these entrances without any prior booking.
Electric Scooters via the Tanaqol App
If you need a motorized option, the Tanaqol app lets you book electric scooters for tawaf, sa’i, or both. These operate on the third floor of the Grand Mosque, which is a designated electric-vehicle-only zone — no manual wheelchairs or walking traffic is allowed on this level.
Pricing starts at SAR 57.50 (approximately USD 15) for a single-seater for either tawaf or sa’i, and SAR 115 for both. Double-seater options are available at double the rate. Book through the app at least a day in advance, especially during Hajj peak days.
Wheelchair Pushers
Wheelchair pushers can be arranged through your Hajj tour operator or hired independently at the mosque entrances. Confirm the service and cost with your operator before you travel — rates vary, and demand spikes sharply during Hajj days.
How to Perform Hajj Rituals in a Wheelchair
All core Hajj rituals can be completed from a wheelchair, with specific accommodations at each stage.
Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
The ground floor of the Mataf area has allocated paths for slower-paced tawaf, including wheelchair users. Alternatively, the upper floor (third floor) offers a dedicated circular track for electric scooters where the route is less congested.
Your tawaf counts whether you walk, are pushed in a wheelchair, or ride an electric scooter. The person pushing you also earns the reward of their own tawaf, according to Islamic jurisprudence.
Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)
The Al-Mas’a corridor between Safa and Marwa has a clearly marked, slightly elevated wheelchair lane with a smooth surface. Electric scooters are also permitted on the upper-floor sa’i route via the Tanaqol booking.
Stoning of the Jamarat
The Jamarat Bridge in Mina is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. If you are physically unable to reach the pillars — even with wheelchair assistance — Islamic scholars permit proxy stoning, where a companion throws the pebbles on your behalf.
This concession applies only to those with a genuine inability to attend. Your Hajj operator can assign a companion to perform the stoning if needed.
Accessibility at Other Hajj Sites
Arafat and Muzdalifah
Transport between the Mashair sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah) is provided by your Hajj operator. Electric carts and accessible buses with specialized boarding equipment operate along designated routes at the holy sites. Wheelchair users and their companions are permitted to leave Muzdalifah after midnight rather than waiting until Fajr — a concession that eases the return to Mina.
The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
For Hajj 2026, Saudi Arabia has expanded mobility services at the Prophet’s Mosque. Upgraded entrances, walkways, and elevators support wheelchair movement throughout the mosque and its courtyards. Free cart loan service is available at exits 309 and 343, and interactive maps accessible via QR codes help you navigate the facility.
Tips for Planning an Accessible Hajj
- Choose your Hajj package carefully. Ask your tour operator specifically about wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms, ground-floor accommodation, and whether a dedicated wheelchair pusher is included. Hotels closest to the Haram in Makkah reduce the distance you need to travel — search for hotels in Makkah or hotels in Madinah on Wego.
- Download the Nusuk app before you travel. It provides accessible route guidance within the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and you can register for disability-related services through it.
- Bring your own lightweight, foldable wheelchair as a backup — free wheelchairs at the mosque gates are first-come, first-served and may not be available during peak Hajj hours. Check our Hajj packing list for more on what to bring.
- Carry a medical report from your doctor detailing your condition. This is useful for requesting proxy stoning permissions and for any medical assistance you may need at the holy sites during Hajj.
- Book flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah early and request wheelchair assistance at the airport during booking — both Saudia and other carriers offer free airport wheelchair service.
For elderly pilgrims with additional age-related considerations, Wego has a dedicated Hajj guide for elderly pilgrims covering ritual permissions, companion requirements, and mobility services in detail. If this is your first Hajj, our Hajj for first timers guide walks you through the entire pilgrimage step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Hajj in a wheelchair?
Yes. All Hajj rituals — tawaf, sa’i, standing at Arafat, and staying at Muzdalifah — can be performed from a wheelchair. Proxy stoning is permitted for those who cannot physically reach the Jamarat pillars.
Where can I get a free wheelchair at Masjid al-Haram?
Free manual wheelchairs are available at several gates of the Grand Mosque, including King Abdul Aziz Gate, Gate 74, and Ajyad Gate. They are provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does it cost to rent an electric scooter for tawaf?
Through the Tanaqol app, a single-seater electric scooter costs SAR 57.50 for tawaf only, SAR 57.50 for sa’i only, or SAR 115 for both. Double-seater options cost SAR 115 and SAR 230 respectively.
Is proxy stoning allowed for wheelchair users during Hajj?
Proxy stoning is permitted only for pilgrims who genuinely cannot reach the Jamarat pillars, even with assistance. A companion can throw the pebbles on your behalf. Discuss this with your Hajj operator in advance.
Sources
- Saudi Press Agency — Inclusive Hajj: Saudi Arabia Improves Services for Elderly Pilgrims and Pilgrims with Disabilities
- Saudi Press Agency — Improved Accessibility at Grand Mosque for People with Disabilities
- Saudi Press Agency — General Authority Launches Tanaqol App for Electric Vehicle Booking at Grand Mosque
- General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques — Official Website
- Dubai Standard — Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Introduces New Mobility Services for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims
- IslamQA — Mistakes Made When Stoning the Jamarat (Proxy Stoning Rules)
- Fiqh-ul Muhaddithin — Does Pushing a Disabled Person in a Wheelchair Count as Tawaf?
- KSA Expats — Electric Scooters in Masjid al-Haram: Booking, Fees, and How-to
- Nusuk — Official Hajj and Umrah Platform
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
