Saudi authorities finalize Hajj logistics, safety, transport plans
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the completion of its administrative and field preparations to manage pilgrims’ movement to the Jamarat site for the stoning ritual, facilitate access to the metro at the holy sites, and oversee transport between the holy sites during the Hajj season.
These efforts, in coordination with relevant authorities, are part of an integrated operational system based on advanced planning and modern technologies to ensure smooth movement and pilgrim safety throughout the season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The ministry is also enhancing field coordination through a unified leadership framework, faster information exchange and rapid response mechanisms to address developments on the ground, improving transport and movement efficiency.
It emphasized the importance of adhering to approved movement schedules, noting their key role in organizing pilgrim flow, ensuring safety and supporting smooth operations. It also urged pilgrims to comply with all movement regulations to ensure a safe and orderly Hajj experience.
Kidana Development Co., the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has also completed the replacement and upgrade of fire and cooling networks in Mina tent areas ahead of Hajj to enhance infrastructure efficiency and safety.
The project covered 188 residential zones comprising 565 tents, with a total network length of 339,000 linear meters, implemented in four phases.
It replaces outdated systems with modern networks that meet high technical standards, improving safety, reducing risks of malfunctions and leaks, and ensuring reliable cooling and uninterrupted services during Hajj.
The upgrade also enhances maintenance efficiency and provides a safer, more comfortable environment for pilgrims, the SPA reported.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has intensified its oversight as part of an operational plan to ensure the safety and availability of medical supplies for pilgrims.
Its inspection teams are stationed at several entry points, where they examine shipments of medicines and medical devices arriving with Hajj delegations.
By verifying compliance with approved standards, the teams support healthcare services for pilgrims and help streamline procedures at ports.
So far, the authority has inspected 27 shipments from 20 countries, clearing more than 187 tonnes of medical supplies while preventing the entry of about one tonne of non-compliant food and pharmaceutical products.
It also implemented operational facilitations to ensure the continuous supply of medical goods for Hajj missions, including flexibility in inspecting some shipments on arrival at mission headquarters in the holy sites, improving efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
