Cable Cars to Hira Cave to Open in 2025

Saudi Arabia is introducing a cable car system in 2025 to help pilgrims visit the Cave of Hira more easily. The cable cars will bring pilgrims toJabal Al Noor, a mountain near the sacred city of Mecca.

The Cave of Hira is 634 meters high and approximately four kilometers away from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It is where the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation of the Holy Quran from Angel Gabriel. This happened during his yearly solo retreat in the cave during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Pilgrims also call the Cave of Hira the “Hill of Illumination” or “Mountain of Light.”

Cable cars among many development projects

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Samaya Investment Company CEO Fawaz Al-Muhrek discussed their cable car system plans. According to Al-Muhrek, builders will soon finish installing the cable cars and these will be ready for use in 2025.

The installaiton of cable cars is just one of the many projects the Saudi government has planned. For instance, they plan on completing the High Cultural District, a one-of-a-kind tourist landmark in Mecca. They will open three new museums in Jabal Omar, a real estate development in the city.

In addition to the cable cars, they will also introduce the new Mount Thor Cultural District in 2025. Mount Thor is where the Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr hid for three days from the Quraish tribe. The new cultural district is an integrated neighborhood that will offer different services.

About the Cave of Hira

In previous years, pilgrims had a hard time visiting the Cave of Hira because of its steep incline and rough terrain. The climb typically takes anywhere between 45 minutes to three hours, depending on the pilgrim’s physical strength and stamina. It is comprised of around 1,750 steps and sits on a 380-meter slope mountain. The cable cars will be a big help to make the whole climb much easier.

During the Hajj period, approximately 5,000 pilgrims visit the cave. It is best to plan hikes when it is less crowded with visitors. If visiting during peak season, they should practice additional patience. The Ministry of Hajj projects that there will be 15 million Umrah pilgrims in 2025.

To enter the Cave of Hira, pilgrims must enter a narrow passageway. This makes it fairly doable for those with lean physiques and more challenging for those with heavier builds. There have been cases of pilgrims falling along on their climb.

Initially, before the installation of cable cars, people suggested that authorities build a staircase and an enclosure. Upon reaching the Cave of Hira, the custom is to offer prayers and recite verses from the Quran. They must also enter the cave with feelings of humility and reverence.

This year, authorities made the hike easier by paving the road. As difficult as the climb may be, pilgrims get to witness a beautiful panoramic view of Mecca at sunset.

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