Elderly Hajj Pilgrims Can Borrow Wheelchairs for Free at Nabawi Mosque

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims who need a wheelchair during activities at the Nabawi Mosque and its surroundings no longer need to worry about costs. The Saudi Arabian government provides a free wheelchair loan service through the Nusuk Care counter near Gate 331.

Wiwin Sriwinengsih, an officer from PKP2JH for the Nabawi Mosque Special Sector, stated that this convenience was newly experienced by Indonesian Hajj officers in 2026. “In 2026, we, the Indonesian Hajj Officers, were facilitated with free wheelchair services from the Saudi Arabian government at the Nabawi Mosque,” she told reporters from the Hajj Media Center (MCH).

Wiwin explained that the borrowing procedure is very simple. Officers or pilgrims only need to show their Nusuk card. If a pilgrim is in the courtyard or inside the mosque, officers can use their own Nusuk card first to speed up the wheelchair loan process.

“If possible, we use the Hajj pilgrim’s Nusuk card. But if the pilgrim is in the courtyard or inside the mosque, we can quickly use the Hajj officer’s Nusuk card,” she said.

After the request is made, the borrower will receive a faturah or proof of borrowing. The counter officer will also ask about the duration of use because there is a maximum limit. The maximum loan period for a wheelchair is two days. If it is still needed, the borrower can return to the Nusuk Care counter to extend the loan. For an extension, the pilgrim’s Nusuk card can be used if the officer’s card was initially used.

“After two days, if the wheelchair is still needed and will be used again, we replace it—if it was using the officer’s Nusuk, we switch to the Hajj pilgrim’s Nusuk. Then we extend the activation at the Nusuk office,” Wiwin said.

Upon return, the proof of borrowing will be stamped by the officer as a sign that the wheelchair has been returned. During the 2-day activation period, this service is 100 percent free of charge. “God willing, if we activate it for two days, until completion it will not incur any cost or is free,” she said.

Wiwin added that every wheelchair leaving Nusuk Care is always cleaned first. The aim is to ensure that pilgrims using them feel safe, comfortable, and clean. This service is expected to ease the burden on elderly pilgrims and those with limited mobility while performing worship at the Nabawi Mosque.