Masjid an-Nabawi is enormous, and finding the correct entrance can be confusing when you visit for the first time.
The good news is that every gate of the Prophet’s Mosque is numbered, so you do not need to memorize dozens of Arabic gate names before travelling. According to the latest Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah information, the mosque currently has 100 gates, while its courtyards have a further 40 gates.
For most UK pilgrims, however, knowing all 100 gates is unnecessary.
What matters is understanding the main entrances, which gates women may currently use, where wheelchair services are available, how Rawdah entry works and how to avoid getting lost when returning to your hotel.
This updated guide explains the Masjid Nabawi gates and map in English from a practical visitor’s point of view — and pairs well with our full step-by-step guide to performing Umrah if you’re still planning the rest of your trip.
How Many Gates Does Masjid Nabawi Have in 2026?
The latest Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah information states that the Prophet’s Mosque has:
| Area | Current official figure |
|---|---|
| Gates of the mosque | 100 |
| Gates of the courtyards | 40 |
All mosque gates carry visible numbers to make navigation easier for visitors.
You may still find online articles saying Masjid Nabawi has 42, 85 or 86 gates.
That does not necessarily mean every older guide was deliberately wrong.
Different sources have historically counted named gate complexes, individual entrances and courtyard access points differently. The older official Visit Madinah tourism page, for example, still describes 86 gates, whereas the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Saudi Press Agency now use the figure of 100.
For a blog being published in September 2026, I would therefore use the newer official figure of 100 mosque gates.
Why Are Gate Numbers More Useful Than Gate Names?
Many of the famous gates have traditional Arabic names, but for a first-time visitor, the gate number is often easier to remember.
For example, you may hear the same gate referred to using slightly different English spellings:
Bab Jibril Bab Jibreel Gate of Gabriel
They refer to the same historical name, but transliteration varies.
Numbers are much easier.
Before leaving your hotel, note the number of the gate you entered through.
If you become separated from your family, saying:
“Meet me outside Gate 25”
is far clearer than trying to describe which side of the mosque you are standing on.
Saudi authorities specifically number the gates so visitors can identify their location more easily.
Which Masjid Nabawi Gates Should Pilgrims Actually Know?
You do not need to memorize a list of 100 entrances.
A handful of historically or practically important gates are enough for most visitors.
| Gate | Why pilgrims may recognise it |
|---|---|
| Bab Al-Salam | One of the best-known historic entrances |
| Bab Al-Siddiq / Abu Bakr | Named in connection with Abu Bakr (RA) |
| Bab Al-Rahmah | Historic Gate of Mercy |
| Bab Al-Hijrah | Gate of Migration |
| Bab Quba | Named towards Quba |
| Bab Al-Aqiq – Gate 11 | Gives access towards the mosque library |
| Bab Jibreel | Historic eastern gate |
| Bab Al-Nisa | Historically associated with women’s entry |
| Bab Al-Baqi | On the side towards Al-Baqi |
| King Fahd entrances | Major modern access area |
The exact route you are permitted to use can change with crowd-control arrangements.
That distinction is important.
A historic gate name tells you about the mosque’s history. It does not guarantee that the same entrance will always serve the same visitor group at every time of day.
What Were the Original Gates of Masjid Nabawi?
When the Prophet’s Mosque was originally built, it was far smaller than the vast complex visitors see today.
Saudi historical information records three original entrances.
One entrance was on the side of the original Qiblah, which at that time faced Jerusalem. When the Qiblah changed towards the Kaaba in Makkah, that entrance was closed and another was opened on the opposite side.
The other two were:
Bab Atikah, on the western side, later known as Bab Al-Rahmah.
Bab Uthman, on the eastern side, later known as Bab Jibreel.
After the mosque was expanded during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), the number of gates increased from three to six.
This gives visitors an idea of just how dramatically Masjid Nabawi has expanded.
What began with three entrances now has around 100 gates serving worshippers from around the world.
What Is Bab Al-Salam?
Bab Al-Salam means the Gate of Peace and is one of the most recognised entrances associated with Masjid Nabawi.
It was added as the mosque expanded during the period of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA).
Today, pilgrims often recognise the name because of its proximity to the historic part of the mosque and the traditional visitation route.
However, do not assume that entering through Bab Al-Salam is compulsory when visiting Masjid Nabawi.
If staff redirect visitors through another route because of congestion or security arrangements, simply follow their instructions.
There is no need to push against the flow of people merely because a travel guide told you to use a particular historic gate.
What Is Bab Al-Rahmah?
Bab Al-Rahmah means the Gate of Mercy.
Historically, this was Bab Atikah, one of the entrances connected with the earliest mosque.
The official Saudi description links its later name, Gate of Mercy, with the well-known incident in which the Prophet ﷺ supplicated for rain.
It remains one of the best-known historic gate names at Masjid Nabawi.
It is also one of the entrances currently identified by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as a location where wheelchair services are available.
What Is Bab Jibreel?
Bab Jibreel, or the Gate of Gabriel, is located on the eastern side of the historic mosque.
Its earlier name was Bab Uthman.
Official Saudi historical information associates its current name with Jibreel (AS) and an incident connected with the campaign of Banu Qurayzah.
For an ordinary visitor, however, the most important point is not to treat one historic gate as spiritually compulsory.
The reward of praying in Masjid Nabawi does not depend on entering through a particular doorway.
Which Masjid Nabawi Gates Are for Women?
This is one area where pilgrims should rely on current official information rather than old blog posts.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque currently lists these gate numbers for women’s entry:
Gate 25, Gate 29 and Gate 41.
However, women should still follow the signage and female security staff present during their visit.
Entry arrangements can be adjusted because of:
prayer times crowd levels Ramadan Hajj season maintenance Rawdah appointments special crowd-control arrangements
This is why we do not recommend saving an old screenshot saying that women “must always use Gate X”.
The number that matters is the one being used when you are actually there.
Women travelling independently may also find our Solo Female Umrah Guide useful for wider travel preparation.
Which Gate Should Women Use for Rawdah?
Do not rely on a static blog article for this.
Rawdah access is controlled separately through the Nusuk booking system, and men and women have separate arrangements.
Once you have a Rawdah permit, check:
the date appointment time access instructions meeting or entry area shown in Nusuk
Then follow mosque staff and live signage when you arrive.
Current gate arrangements can change, which is why stating “women always enter Rawdah from Gate 25” or any other single gate can quickly make an article outdated.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah uses the Nusuk system for Rawdah appointments.
If you are preparing your phone before travelling, read our guide on the best mobile app for Umrah.
You can also read Do I Need a Nusuk Permit to Perform Umrah? to understand the wider permit system.
Which Gate Should Men Use for Rawdah?
The same principle applies to men.
Do not travel to Madinah relying only on an old gate number from Google.
Rawdah visits are organised through timed entry and controlled visitor flows.
Your best source on the day is:
Nusuk → your permit → current mosque signage → staff instructions.
Arrive with enough time to find the correct gathering area rather than reaching Masjid Nabawi only a few minutes before your appointment.
The Prophet’s Mosque is large, and walking from the wrong side of the complex can take longer than a first-time visitor expects.
Is a Rawdah Permit Needed Just to Enter Masjid Nabawi?
Rawdah access and ordinary prayer in Masjid Nabawi should not be confused.
The Rawdah is a specific area within the Prophet’s Mosque.
Its visits are managed through timed permits.
This does not mean every person entering Masjid Nabawi for an ordinary congregational prayer must hold a Rawdah appointment.
So if you cannot obtain a Rawdah slot, you can still benefit from your time in the Prophet’s Mosque and pray elsewhere in the mosque.
Do not allow difficulty obtaining one appointment to make you feel that your entire visit to Madinah has been lost.
Which Gates Have Wheelchair Services?
This is another area where your article can substantially improve on the competitor.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah currently lists wheelchair availability at the following entrances:
Al-Salam Gate, Al-Siddiq Gate, Al-Rahmah Gate, Bab Al-Baqi, Bab Al-Janazat, Bab Al-Hijrah, Bab Quba.
This information comes from the Ministry’s Prophet’s Mosque information page updated in June 2026.
The mosque also provides services including portable prayer chairs, elevators, accessibility ramps and mobility vehicles for visitors with special needs. The Ministry’s services page was updated again on 6 September 2026.
If you are travelling with somebody who has limited mobility, see our Umrah guide for disabled pilgrims before leaving the UK.
Even with published accessibility information, ask staff when you arrive because the easiest route can vary depending on which part of the mosque you need.
Which Gate Is Best for the Masjid Nabawi Library?
This is a useful detail missing from many generic gate guides.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah currently says the Prophet’s Mosque library is located on the roof and can be reached through:
Bab Al-Aqiq — Gate 11.
The Ministry currently lists visiting hours as 8:00am to 10:00pm, although operational hours can change.
So if visiting the library is part of your Madinah plans, Gate 11 is worth remembering.
Which Gate Is Closest to Jannat Al-Baqi?
The eastern side of Masjid Nabawi faces Jannat Al-Baqi, the historic cemetery where many members of the Prophet’s ﷺ family and numerous companions are buried.
Bab Al-Baqi is therefore one of the gate names visitors commonly hear in connection with this side of the mosque.
Do not assume, however, that the cemetery itself will always be accessible whenever you reach that gate.
Visitor flows and opening arrangements are controlled separately.
Follow the instructions in place on that day.
A Simple English Orientation for Masjid Nabawi
Instead of trying to memorize a complicated online map, think of the mosque in broad zones.
Western historic side
This is where names such as Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rahmah are commonly encountered.
Eastern historic side
This is associated with Bab Jibreel, the Sacred Chamber side and the direction of Al-Baqi.
Northern expansion area
This includes major modern expansion entrances and provides access to large prayer areas.
Outer courtyards
The mosque is surrounded by extensive plazas with their own numbered access points.
The current Ministry information distinguishes between 100 mosque gates and 40 courtyard gates, which is particularly useful for understanding why somebody may give you a gate number that looks very different from numbers shown on an older mosque map.
Why Do Some Masjid Nabawi Maps Show Different Gate Numbers?
There are three common reasons.
First, some maps are simply old.
Masjid Nabawi has been expanded repeatedly and its visitor-management system has changed over time.
Second, some sources count named gate complexes, while others count individual entry openings.
Third, courtyard gates and mosque gates may be displayed separately.
This explains why older articles may say:
42 gates.
86 gates.
100 gates.
For current planning, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now says 100 gates in the mosque and 40 in the courtyards, while the Saudi Press Agency also reported 100 Prophet’s Mosque gates in March 2026.
This is the figure I recommend using in a 2026 article.
How Can I Avoid Getting Lost at Masjid Nabawi?
The simplest strategy is surprisingly effective:
Remember the gate number you entered through.
Before walking inside, take a quick look at the number above the entrance.
You can also photograph the gate sign without blocking other worshippers.
If you are staying with family, agree on an outside meeting point such as:
“If we become separated, meet outside Gate 29.”
Do not simply say:
“Meet near the Green Dome.”
Thousands of people may be moving around that area and family members can approach it from different sides.
If your hotel is several streets away, save its name and location on your phone before leaving.
When travelling between the two Holy Cities, our guide on how to travel between Makkah and Madinah can also help with the transport side of your journey.
What If I Forget Which Gate I Used?
Do not panic.
Look for the numbered signs around the mosque and courtyards.
If you know your hotel name, show it to one of the mosque staff or security personnel and ask which exit is easiest.
The Ministry also lists security offices at several locations, including Al-Siddiq Gate No. 2, Gate 7 and Gate 33, alongside courtyard security points.
It can also help to keep:
your hotel name hotel address travel-agent contact number group leader’s phone number
saved on your phone.
What If a Child Gets Lost at Masjid Nabawi?
Families should discuss this before entering the mosque.
Young children should know not to continue wandering if they become separated.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says the Prophet’s Mosque has facilities for caring for lost children, including a main location opposite courtyard gate 34C, as well as facilities in the eastern and western women’s prayer areas.
Parents should also make sure younger children have a contact number on them somewhere safe.
If travelling as a family, preparation before leaving the hotel can save considerable stress our checklist on travelling to Makkah with children covers the wider planning side of this.
Should You Choose Your Hotel Based on a Masjid Nabawi Gate?
It can help, particularly for:
elderly pilgrims wheelchair users families with young children women who expect to use particular prayer sections anyone who struggles with long walks
Two hotels can both advertise themselves as “near Masjid Nabawi” while facing completely different sides of the mosque.
That means a hotel that is slightly further away in meters could actually be more convenient if it puts you close to the entrance you use most often.
When booking, look beyond the advertised distance see our guide to the best hotels in Makkah and Madinah for how to compare locations properly.
Check which side of Masjid Nabawi the hotel faces.
Do Gates Stay Assigned to the Same Visitors All Year?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important practical lessons in this guide.
Saudi authorities can redirect visitor movement during:
Ramadan Hajj Friday prayers exceptionally busy Umrah periods maintenance security operations Rawdah appointment periods
A gate described online as a women’s entrance or Rawdah approach may therefore operate differently during your visit.
Live signage and mosque staff always take priority over a static online map.
That is why this article gives you the useful gate landmarks without pretending that a 2026 blog can permanently predict every access route.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to memorize every gate before travelling.
You do not need to.
Learn the few gates relevant to your own visit and remember numbers rather than relying only on Arabic names.
Another mistake is assuming that the “best gate” for Rawdah is permanent.
Rawdah access is controlled. Follow your Nusuk permit and staff directions.
Also avoid travelling from one side of the mosque to another immediately before Salah simply because a blog told you that one historic entrance is better.
If the mosque is crowded, use the safest available entrance and concentrate on arriving calmly for prayer.
Does Entering Through a Particular Gate Give Extra Reward?
Pilgrims should be careful not to attach special religious virtue to a gate without authentic evidence.
Some gates have beautiful historical associations.
That makes learning their history worthwhile.
But history and religious prescription are not the same thing.
You do not need to enter through Bab Al-Salam every time.
You do not need to touch a gate.
And your prayer is not worth less because security directed you through a modern entrance instead of a historic one.
The purpose of learning the gate system is to help you navigate the mosque safely and understand some of its history not to create new rituals.
Quick Masjid Nabawi Gate Guide for UK Pilgrims
Before leaving your hotel, remember these points:
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| How many mosque gates are there now? | Current Ministry figure: 100 |
| How many courtyard gates? | 40 |
| Are gates numbered? | Yes |
| Women’s current listed entrances? | 25, 29 and 41 |
| Is there one permanent Rawdah gate? | Do not rely on one; follow Nusuk and staff |
| Library access? | Bab Al-Aqiq, Gate 11 |
| Are wheelchair services available? | Yes, at several named gates |
| What should I remember when leaving? | Your gate number |
| What if online maps disagree? | Follow current official signage |
Final Thoughts
The gates of Masjid Nabawi carry more than 1,400 years of history, but for today’s pilgrim they also serve a very practical purpose.
The most important thing is not memorizing 100 names.
Remember your entrance number, understand the general layout and follow current mosque signage.
The latest Saudi information lists 100 gates for the Prophet’s Mosque and 40 courtyard gates, while women’s entrances currently include Gates 25, 29 and 41 and wheelchair support is available at several major historic gates.
For Rawdah, do not depend on an old gate map.
Check Nusuk and follow the access instructions provided for your appointment.
This approach is much more useful than arriving in Madinah with a screenshot of a gate map that may already be outdated.
At Hajj Umrah Travels, we help UK pilgrims prepare for the practical details of their journey before they leave home. If you are planning your pilgrimage, explore our Umrah Packages 2026 or contact our team for help arranging your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Masjid Nabawi Gates
How many gates are there in Masjid Nabawi?
The latest Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah information states that the Prophet’s Mosque has 100 gates, while the surrounding courtyards have 40 gates. Older websites may show 86 or fewer because of older information or different counting methods.
Which gates are for women at Masjid Nabawi?
The current official Al Haramain information lists Gates 25, 29 and 41 for women’s entry. Actual crowd-control arrangements can change, so follow the signage and staff when you visit.
Which gate should I use for Rawdah?
Do not rely on one permanent gate number. Rawdah access is managed through Nusuk, with separate arrangements for men and women. Check your booking information and follow staff instructions on the day.
What is Gate 11 at Masjid Nabawi?
Gate 11 is Bab Al-Aqiq. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah currently identifies it as the route for reaching the Prophet’s Mosque library on the roof.
Which gate is closest to Jannat Al-Baqi?
Bab Al-Baqi is on the side of Masjid Nabawi facing the historic Al-Baqi cemetery. Entry arrangements for the cemetery itself are controlled separately.
Are wheelchairs available at Masjid Nabawi?
Yes. The Ministry currently lists wheelchair availability at several entrances, including Al-Salam, Al-Siddiq, Al-Rahmah, Al-Baqi, Al-Janazat, Al-Hijrah and Quba gates.
What should I do if I get lost at Masjid Nabawi?
Look for the numbered gate signs and ask mosque staff for help. Keep your hotel name and address saved on your phone, and agree on a specific numbered gate as a family meeting point before entering.
