
Regulatory Violations Drop 71% During Hajj Compared to 2024
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reports a reduction in observed infractions, reflecting improved operational efficiency.
Regulatory violations during this year's Hajj season saw a 71% decrease compared to the previous year in 2024, according to Ministry of Hajj and Umrah data. The total number of violations dropped from 23,000 to approximately 6,000.
This decline was attributed to enhanced coordination within the Hajj services ecosystem. The ministry reported that pilgrim movement remained smooth throughout peak days, supported by the effective deployment of field teams and oversight systems.
Authorities emphasised the importance of pilgrims adhering to scheduled group movements, maintaining campsite discipline during the Days of Tashreeq, and staying hydrated—especially as temperatures remained high. These combined measures helped contribute to a safer, more orderly pilgrimage.
The ministry's 'silent tech' interventions—such as real-time tracking systems and crowd management platforms—played a role in this performance, enabling proactive detection and swift resolution of issues without disrupting the pilgrimage flow.

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