Saudi Arabia Outlines Comprehensive Readiness Plan for Hajj 1446 AH

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a wide-ranging operational strategy to support millions of pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season, reflecting the Kingdom’s continued investment in infrastructure, digital technology, health services, and crowd management to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.

During the 22nd government press briefing held in Riyadh, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to deploying all available resources to serve pilgrims. He highlighted that the Hajj preparations align with Saudi Vision 2030 and are guided by the leadership’s directives to improve service quality for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Al-Dossary reaffirmed the ongoing enforcement of the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, which aims to regulate pilgrim numbers and enhance public safety through awareness efforts and strict permit controls.

Key updates provided during the briefing include:

• Pilgrim Arrivals: Over 1.07 million international pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom, with 249,000 benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative, which simplifies immigration procedures at departure points.

• Religious Facilities: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has readied over 25,000 mosques across holy sites and distributed 2.5 million Qurans and 1.3 million digital ID cards to pilgrims.

• Volunteer and Non-Profit Support: More than 25,000 volunteers, coordinated by the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, will aid in pilgrim services.

• Water and Sanitation: Water systems capable of delivering over 1.2 million cubic meters daily are supported by 2,000+ engineers and 4,000 laboratory tests each day.

• Digital Infrastructure: AI-driven crowd control systems are being implemented alongside a robust digital network comprising 5,000 communication towers, 9,000 4G/5G stations, and 10,000 Wi-Fi access points.

• Transport Services: The transport sector, with 45,000 personnel, has arranged 7,000 inbound flights and over 4,700 train trips, complemented by 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis operating across 18 designated lanes.

• Healthcare System: More than 50,000 healthcare workers will be deployed. Facilities include a new 200-bed hospital in Mina, three field hospitals, and 900 ambulances. The Seha Virtual Hospital will provide remote consultations.

• Heat Safety and Emergency Preparedness: To combat heat-related risks, 10,000 trees have been planted and 400 misting stations installed. Emergency systems include 71 first-aid points, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that women now constitute 53% of pilgrims, and 94% of arrivals have come by air. Over 1.4 million updated Nusuk smart cards have been issued, and more than 100 digital services are now available on the Nusuk platform.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel urged pilgrims to remain hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and seek timely medical care, assuring that the health sector is fully equipped to manage any emergencies.

The press conference underscored the government’s holistic approach to Hajj readiness, blending tradition with innovation to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all pilgrims.