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Saudi Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Madinah Emir reviews operational readiness at Prophet's Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH— Emir of Madinah and Chairman of the region's Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Salman bin Sultan conveyed greetings and appreciation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to security personnel and entities participating in Hajj missions. The leadership's appreciation recognized the personnel's dedicated efforts to serve pilgrims and acknowledged the significant responsibility they bear in maintaining the security and comfort of the Prophet's Mosque. Prince Salman made the remarks after a field visit to the Prophet's Mosque, to review its operational readiness, coinciding with the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims from Makkah after completing this year's Hajj rituals. Hajj was carried out smoothly, supported by extensive services provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince. Serving pilgrims remains a top priority for the Kingdom's leadership, reflecting its commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Tighter controls, solid coordination keys to success of this Haj season
MAKKAH: A photograph of members of the Saudi Arabian security forces lying on the road after completing their duties at the end of the Haj season has captured the hearts of many. The image, posted on Pakistan Tribune's Facebook page, bore the caption 'Heroes of Hajj: Saudi Security Staff Resting on the Ground After Completing Hajj Duty'. They have truly earned the 'hero' tag. These individuals were at the frontline to ensure that this year's Haj season proceeded smoothly and safely. Those who have been to the Holy Land are already familiar with their role. Although uncompromising when carrying out their duty, their warmth when dealing with pilgrims both during the Haj and Umrah seasons is no secret. The Haj season for 1446 Hijrah officially ended last night when the last group of pilgrims vacated their tents in Mina and headed for Makkah. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who is Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the success of this year's Haj season in terms of security, health, and services. For the majority of the more than 1.67 million pilgrims, the 1446 Hijrah Haj season is undoubtedly a success. In terms of security, strictness was evident, especially in tackling the issue of illegal Haj pilgrims. The authorities, through the 'No Haj Without a Permit' campaign, managed to stem the entry of such groups. 269,000 WITHOUT HAJ PERMITS BARRED FROM MAKKAH Based on records, more than 269,000 unregistered individuals were barred from entering Makkah this Haj season while 400 companies had their haj services licences revoked for breaking the rules. 'No Haj Without a Permit' is more than a campaign but a stern commitment from Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe and organised Haj journey. For example, the last Haj season saw more than 1,300 heat stroke-related deaths when temperatures soared between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius. The majority of these involved illegal Haj pilgrims who entered Makkah to perform the Haj 'in secret' without going through the proper channels to ensure safety and organisation. This was among the major reasons for the Saudi government's strict enforcement, which is to reduce any risks of fatalities and more importantly, to prevent history from repeating itself. A more organised and safe Haj process is key towards effective management of the Haj, including in the aspect of managing the pilgrims' health, which is bolstered by the presence of more than 5,000 volunteers. These volunteers support the health services in three main areas namely prevention, treatment and support services. The biggest success is unquestionably in terms of managing the risk of heat stroke, especially in reducing the number of fatalities among the pilgrims from extreme heat. INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION In the context of services, praise has to be accorded to inter-agency and ministry coordination which was key to the smoothness and comfort of the Haj experience. For example, Saudi Arabia activated the world's largest cooling system in Masjidil Haram in Makkah, and in Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, for the comfort of the pilgrims and to prevent heat-related risks, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. More than 400 cooling stations in major locations, and 'white roads' as heat reflectors were introduced to ensure cooler surface temperatures. Walkways are also covered, with cooling facilities provided for the ease and comfort of the pilgrims. As the season reached its peak, Saudi Arabia also engaged artificial intelligence (AI) powered drones for various purposes including crowd surveillance to prevent crushes, spot potential heat-related emergencies and the delivery of critical medicine directly to locations. Pilgrims' movement was also smooth and orderly, thanks to the systematic transportation network strengthened by more than 25,000 buses and the Mashair Metro rail. In short, Saudi Arabia's success in the management of the 1446 Hijrah Haj is a manifestation of solid cooperation and coordination by all, transcending agencies and ministries. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, taking into account constant changes. What is clear is that this Haj season, the Saudi government's focus was on security, which is the foundation of an organised and safe journey. Prince Saud had said that preparations for the next Hajj season will begin immediately. It is evident that an analysis of what transpired during this Haj season will also be taken into account. 1.67 MILLION PILGRIMS THE IDEAL NUMBER? One must also consider - was the success of this Haj season due to 1.67 million pilgrims being the ideal number? Based on records, this was the lowest number of pilgrims since 1991 (1412 Hijrah) with the exception of the three years the world experienced the Covid-19 pandemic (1441 to 1443 Hijrah). However, it must also be considered that the 1.67 million pilgrims this season is a 'solid' number, meaning without the presence of illegal Haj pilgrims unlike years past. Nevertheless, the responsibility of ensuring the smoothness of the Haj should not be shouldered by Saudi Arabia alone. Questions have to be asked over how much commitment is taken on by other countries, including Malaysia. This includes ensuring that issues such as Haj scams and fraudulent Haj packages, which expose potential pilgrims to difficulties, are successfully stamped out. It pains the heart to constantly hear of how easily some quarters abuse religion to rake in profits. Such issues, which besmirch the name of Islam, need to be addressed effectively.
Gulf Insider
08-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Welcomed Pilgrims On 7,000 Flights From 238 Cities
As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws to a close, Saudi Arabia has revealed that more than 7,000 flights from 238 cities worldwide brought pilgrims to the Kingdom this year, in what is being described as one of the most integrated and technologically advanced Hajj operations to date. Speaking at the annual reception for distinguished Hajj guests hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah emphasized the unprecedented levels of coordination and efficiency that marked the 2025 pilgrimage. Dr. Al Rabiah announced the enhancement of the Nusuk app, which now provides more than 130 digital services to pilgrims from visa facilitation to guidance for every stage of the journey, including their safe return home. The Minister also cited the expansion of shaded areas to more than 300,000 square meters, including 170,000 square meters along pilgrim routes and the planting of 23,000 trees to improve comfort and reduce heat exposure at key sites. Saudi authorities boosted the electric grid's capacity at the holy sites by 95 percent, a project costing over 3 billion riyals, and distributed more than 7 million cubic meters of water across Mecca and the pilgrimage sites. Transportation saw similar upgrades: over 4,700 Haramain train journeys, 2,500 trips on the Mashaer Metro, and a fleet of more than 20,000 buses moved crowds efficiently between sacred locations. Healthcare capacity also reached new heights, with a more than 60 percent increase in hospital beds, the opening of a new emergency hospital, and the deployment of 71 rapid-response medical points throughout the holy sites.
Gulf Business
16-04-2025
- Gulf Business
Travelling for Hajj? Here's what you need to know
Image credit: Getty Images Saudi authorities are currently reviewing the progress of development projects underway at the holy sites across the Kingdom. The first related meeting was that of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal. Plans and preparations for Hajj The committee reviewed plans and preparations for Hajj 2025 and evaluated the progress of ongoing projects set to be operational during this year's pilgrimage. Discussions also focused on the full readiness of operational plans from various authorities for the upcoming Hajj season. Read- Some of the development projects reviewed include: Restoration of mosques in Mina and Arafat, along with projects by the Kidana Company Shading of pedestrian paths in Mina, covering around 50,000 square meters Shading and cooling of paths in Arafat, over 60,000 square meters Installation of canopies with mist fans in the Jabal Al-Rahmah area (785 square meters) to mitigate direct sunlight and regulate temperature A heat stress mitigation project at Namirah Mosque, covering 85,000 square meters Afforestation and vegetation projects at holy sites The committee also reviewed afforestation initiatives aiming to plant 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and ease conditions for pilgrims. Additionally, the committee examined a project to establish 400 drinking water coolers and rest areas for pilgrims over 28,000 square meters between the holy sites. Emergency and first aid centers As part of the preparations, authorities plan to establish 15 emergency and first aid centers, along with 71 emergency and first aid launch points along the Hajj route. These centers aim to provide urgent medical services, logistical support, water, snacks, and guidance services to pilgrims. Muzdalifah Haram Path Project Special attention was given to the second phase of the Muzdalifah Haram Path Project, which spans 170,000 square meters. This phase includes rubber flooring, green spaces, rest areas, water fountains, and misting fans. The project also entails building 64 two-story restroom complexes and upgrading 135 compactor bin sites in Mina to enhance waste storage capacity during the Hajj season. Passports Directorate begins issuing Makkah entry permits The The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 15. Permits are being issued through the Ministry of Interior's Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal. Tasreeh platform Thanks to technical integration with the Tasreeh platform, expatriates working during Hajj no longer need to visit Jawazat offices in person to obtain their permits. Absher Individuals platform The Absher Individuals platform enables permit issuance for domestic workers, dependents, Premium Residency holders, investors, mothers of citizens, and Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, upon submission of the required documents. Makkah entry permits Permits for workers at Makkah-based establishments are issued through the Muqeem portal. Holders of seasonal work visas and those with contracts for Hajj-related employment can also apply through this portal.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance. The three-day event, themed 'Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,' is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership's commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims. He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet's Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors' spiritual connection and enhance their experience. The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease. The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors. It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments. An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector's overall efficiency.
