The entry of females into the Prophet's Mosque is strictly organized to protect them from jostling and overcrowding, which can result in fainting and falling, according to a senior official. But some women are protesting at the measures. Abdul Wahid Ali Hattab, Director of Public Relations and Information Administration at the Deputy Presidency for the Prophet's Mosque, confirmed that the entry of females into Al-Rawdha Al-Shareefa is organized three times a day, according to nationalities, and without mobile phones and cameras. The grouping into nationalities is to allow officials to direct females into the mosque in their own languages. Hattab said the current method has been successful in preventing females from being hurt. The female guides direct female visitors during their entry and exit from the Rawdha in an organized, streamlined and calm manner. The guidance continues until all female visitors are able to pray in the Rawdha, said Hattab. Hattab added that female visitors are not allowed to pass the Dikkat Al-Aghawat (Al-Aghawat Terrace), for their own protection. He said a corridor is created to accommodate large numbers of female visitors coming to the Rawdha. Another corridor is for the return of female visitors to the prayer area allocated for them. As for the ban on mobile phones and cameras, Hattab said there are safety boxes for personal effects next to the doors. He called on anyone who has a request or proposal to raise it with the General Presidency for the Prophet's Mosque. Some women are not happy with these arrangements. Umm Khaled said: “I came from the Eastern Province to pray in the Prophet's Mosque and visit the Prophet's grave. But I couldn't enter the Rawdha until the third day of my visit because I was forced to wait for the turn of the Gulf countries.” But even on the third day she was not allowed in, she said. “I had no choice but to ask the female inspector to allow me in because I was traveling on the same day. She allowed me in only after a lot of begging.” Hanan from Egypt also had complaints. “They prevented me from entering the Prophet's Mosque because I was carrying a digital camera with me in my handbag. They told me to keep it in a safety box in the courtyard of the Haram. After I went out to place it in a safety box, I was late for prayer because I had to walk a long distance. I don't know why they ban mobiles and cameras inside the Prophet's Mosque.” - Another woman, Salma Abdul Aziz, said she waited two hours for her turn to come with her group.
