Preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season: 111,000 personnel to serve the pilgrims
Since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its wise leadership has undertaken the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques, making the safety and comfort of pilgrims its highest priority throughout history. With the approach of the Hajj season of 1447 AH, this historic commitment is manifested in its most splendid form. Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuwaisser, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, affirmed during a press briefing in Makkah that the Kingdom continues to dedicate all its resources to serving the guests of God. These efforts are an extension of the generous support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, under the direct supervision of the Supreme Hajj Committee and the continuous follow-up of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Development strategies for the Hajj season of 1447 AH
Dr. Al-Nuwaisser explained that the exceptional success of the previous season, which recorded a 91% satisfaction rate with the services provided, became the new baseline from which development plans and preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season were launched. These plans align with the objectives of the Guests of God Service Program, one of the most prominent programs of Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry finalized its arrangements early with more than 78 countries through the "Electronic Track" platform, which facilitated the completion of contracts through a system that includes more than 500 integrated services in partnership with more than 80 entities and over 5,000 service providers.
From the concept of service to the realm of hospitality
In a significant step reflecting institutional development, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has shifted this year from a "service" concept to a "hospitality" concept. This is evident in the operation of over 607 hospitality centers to address the needs of pilgrims throughout their journey. More than 30,000 personnel have also been trained in digital solutions and field operations management. Today, over 111,000 employees are dedicated to serving the pilgrims, coinciding with the implementation of the planned movement to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah according to precise schedules. To enhance awareness, more than 630,000 educational materials have been disseminated in multiple languages.
Exceptional initiatives and development of the holy sites
To facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage, the "Hajj Without Luggage" initiative was implemented for the first time for all pilgrims from abroad, reducing airport processing times from 120 minutes to just 15 minutes. In the Holy Sites, more than 25 development projects were completed, representing a 100% increase compared to last year. These projects included expanding the capacity in Mina by providing 54,000 tents and planting 60,000 trees as part of the "Green Sites" initiative. Among the most significant projects was the cooling system for the area surrounding Mount Arafat, covering 272,000 square meters, designed to lower temperatures and enhance pilgrim comfort.
Regional and international dimensions of organizational success
The impact of this meticulous and proactive planning extends far beyond the local level, leaving a significant regional and international mark. The Kingdom's success in managing millions of pilgrims from diverse cultures reinforces its position as the heart of the Islamic world and highlights its exceptional ability to efficiently manage major events. Economically, these efforts stimulate the transportation and hospitality sectors regionally, while internationally, they project a positive image of tolerance and institutional organization that ensures the safety and security of pilgrims, thus strengthening ties among the peoples of the Islamic world.
Technology and artificial intelligence in crowd management
Technology has become a pivotal element in Hajj management, with the Nusuk app serving over 51 million users across 131 digital services. The Nusuk smart card and field sensors contribute to enhanced response efficiency. The Ministry has conducted over 83,000 monitoring tours, while the monitoring center tracks more than 95 performance indicators in collaboration with 42 government entities. At the Two Holy Mosques, the Third Saudi Expansion has been activated, and the guidance system has been enhanced with smart solutions and real-time translation of the Arafat sermon into more than 50 languages. Al-Nuwaisser concluded by emphasizing that humanitarian care remains the core principle reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing a safe and accessible Hajj experience.
