Riyadh, May (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 27 مايو 2025ء) Al-Dossary's remarks came during the 22nd government press conference, convened yesterday to discuss preparations for the upcoming Hajj season 1446 AH. The conference featured key officials, including Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel, and members of the Supreme Hajj Committee, led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.
Al-Dossary stressed that the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign remains a cornerstone for regulating the pilgrimage and safeguarding pilgrims through its vital awareness and security message, fostering community commitment and adherence.
He reported that as of Sunday, the number of pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom reached 1,070,000, with some 249,000 arriving through the Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines travel procedures from the country of departure until arrival in Makkah.
Further detailing operational readiness, Al-Dossary highlighted that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has prepared over 25,000 mosques in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. About 2.5 million copies of the Holy Qur'an have been distributed, alongside 1.3 million digital identification cards featuring QR codes for the electronic library.
Regarding volunteerism, he announced the target of over 25,000 volunteers this year, with support from the National Center for Non-Profit Sector.
For the water system, Al-Dossary stated that the daily operational capacity exceeds 1.2 million cubic meters of water via a 1,300-kilometer transmission network. Over 4,000 laboratory tests are conducted daily to ensure water quality and safety, supervised by more than 2,000 Saudi engineers and technicians.
In the trade sector, Al-Dossary stated that the Ministry of Commerce has completed over 11,000 inspection tours of vital facilities in Makkah and Madinah to ensure the availability of basic commodities and market compliance. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has allocated over 22,000 human cadres, 980 vehicles, and 177 shelters, alongside operating an operations room linked to the 911 emergency number for rapid response.
Addressing technical services, he said that the Kingdom has harnessed its advanced digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence algorithms for crowd and pilgrim management. This includes over 5,000 communications towers, more than 9,000 5G and 4g stations, and over 2,000 kilometers of optical fiber. More than 10,000 free Wi-Fi points are provided for the pilgrims.
Al-Dossary noted the launch of the second edition of the Hajj Media Forum, a partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, spanning over 6,000 square meters and featuring the participation of more than 5,000 local and international media professionals. He detailed that the Saudi Broadcasting Authority has deployed 25 transport vehicles, 28 broadcast platforms, and over 120 cameras to produce 300 field reports, seven television programs, and 44 radio programs in 12 languages, broadcasting the Hajj atmosphere globally.
Al-Rabiah stated that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began Hajj 1446 AH preparations early, submitting initial arrangements to all Hajj affairs offices and country representatives. This was followed by 78 expanded preparatory meetings, significantly boosting readiness and early coordination.
He announced that female pilgrims constitute 53% of arrivals, with males at 47%. He specified that 94% of pilgrims arrived via air, 4.83% by land, and less than 1% by sea through Jeddah Islamic Port.
Regarding digital transformation, he noted a major update to the Nusuk card, with over 1.4 million cards issued containing health and residential information for pilgrims and workers, enabling seamless entry and movement between the Grand Mosque and the holy sites. The Nusuk application has also been comprehensively developed, adding over 100 services last year and announcing 60 new services for Hajj 1446 AH.
On the field level, Al-Rabiah explained that authorities conducted trials, including testing electricity and water networks in the holy sites, implementing four simulations, and ensuring camp readiness. He added that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has carried out over 37,000 inspection tours of pilgrim residences since Dhul-Qi'dah, identifying and addressing 3,400 observations. He concluded by emphasizing that the ministry will not tolerate any shortcomings in serving pilgrims and will honor outstanding entities at the season's end.
As part of the participating entities' efforts to serve pilgrims, Al-Jasser reviewed the transport sector's extensive preparations for Hajj 1446 AH, involving 45,000 employees.
In the aviation sector, 7,000 scheduled flights have been prepared, offering over three million seats from 238 destinations via 62 air carriers. Pilgrims will be received across 12 departure lounges in six airports.
For railway services, about two million seats have been allocated for pilgrim transport via the Haramain High Speed Railway on over 4,700 trips, ensuring high standards of safety, efficiency, and quality—an increase of 400,000 seats. Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro line will operate more than 2,500 trips to facilitate pilgrim movement between the holy sites.
According to Al-Jasser, ground transport includes over 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis, with 18 dedicated lanes for pilgrim movement between cities and at the entrances to Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. The Roads General Authority has completed maintenance on over 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites and inspected 247 bridges to ensure infrastructure readiness.
Al-Jasser also noted an 82% expansion in road cooling technology services compared to last year, particularly around Namirah Mosque. This technology reduces road surface temperatures by approximately 12 degrees Celsius, enhancing pilgrim comfort and safety in the holy sites.
In his conference speech, AlJalajel announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60% increase in bed capacity compared to last year. He confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics.
Health efforts, he explained, began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza.
AlJalajel highlighted that the health certificate serves as the first line of defense, and said the health system commenced services with the first Makkah Route Initiative flight, equipping 14 land, air, and sea ports and providing over 50,000 health services, including 140 surgical operations, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries.
To combat heatstroke, AlJalajel confirmed proactive measures in cooperation with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting over 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded walking areas. The Ministry of Health also launched multilingual awareness campaigns via field teams, media programs, and medical missions to ensure health messages reach all pilgrims.
He further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina in collaboration with Kidana Development Company. Three additional field hospitals with over 1,200 beds were also inaugurated in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior, alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics.
Regarding technical health services, AlJalajel added that the Seha Virtual Hospital continues to provide high-quality remote medical support. This includes activating sensors to monitor chronic disease patients and offering remote medical consultations, enhancing response efficiency and service scope.
According to AlJalajel, the Hajj season 1446 AH has recorded the highest private sector participation in pilgrim services, with three major hospitals operating in the holy sites. This reflects the development of health partnerships and their effective role in bolstering health system readiness and expanding pilgrim services.
AlJalajel urged pilgrims to adhere to health guidelines: drink sufficient water, get adequate rest, avoid direct sunlight, and seek immediate medical care when needed. He assured that the health system operates at full readiness to handle any emergency, ensuring a safe and healthy Hajj season.
