The center for guiding buses carrying pilgrims from abroad directs 41,000 buses in Mecca
The Bus Guidance Center for International Hajj Pilgrims in Makkah announced the great success of its operational plans for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This season's operations were characterized by complete smoothness and high operational efficiency, with the center successfully receiving and guiding over 41,000 buses pilgrims from abroad since the start of the current season, paving the way for a smooth and safe spiritual journey for visitors to the Holy Mosque.
The historical development of the transportation system for pilgrims
Over the decades, the transportation of pilgrims in the holy sites and Mecca has witnessed tremendous development, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing comfort and safety for the guests of God. Whereas the journey once relied on traditional means of transport and took many days to travel between the holy sites, today, thanks to the ambitious leadership vision, it has transformed into a fully integrated digital system managed with the latest global technologies. The Bus Guidance Center plays a vital role in this system, contributing to the organization of thousands of vehicles daily and preventing traffic congestion in the holy city, thus ensuring a smooth and safe flow of pilgrims from all nationalities.
Smart technologies used in guiding buses carrying pilgrims from abroad
The Director General of the Makkah Bus Guidance Center, Abdullah Sindi, explained that the center relies on highly trained and qualified young Saudi professionals to guide buses carrying pilgrims from abroad . These guides are supported in the field with smart tablets equipped with high-resolution digital geographic mapping systems. This technology allows for tracking bus routes and ensuring their safe arrival from the entrances to the Holy City directly to the pilgrims' designated accommodations without any delays and within the predetermined timeframe.
The center operates under the umbrella of the Coordinating Council for Hospitality Companies and Service Providers for Pilgrims from Abroad, with the active participation of the General Syndicate of Cars, and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The operations rooms rely entirely on the “Arshdni” digital platform, an integrated smart system that allows for real-time tracking of bus movements, ensuring that any field challenges are addressed immediately and swiftly to guarantee the safety of pilgrims.
Regional and international impact of successful operational plans
The success of the bus routing plans extends far beyond the local level, resonating regionally and internationally. The meticulous organization of Hajj journeys reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading image as a leader in the Islamic world in managing massive crowds with unparalleled efficiency and competence. This success also reassures Islamic countries and diplomatic missions about the safety of their citizens and facilitates their performance of the rituals with ease and convenience. These digital and operational efforts align directly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims and develop the services provided to them to world-class standards befitting the status of the Two Holy Mosques.
