Details of the plans to prepare the holy sites to serve the pilgrims
The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saleh bin Dakhil, announced the completion of preparations for the Holy Sites to serve pilgrims during this year's Hajj season. These preparations are part of an integrated operational system that has harnessed all its human and technological resources to ensure the provision of high-quality and efficient services to the pilgrims, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to facilitating the performance of the rituals and providing a safe and healthy environment for them.
The Kingdom's historic efforts in caring for pilgrims
Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Crowd management and resource provision during the Hajj season have developed remarkably over the decades, transforming from traditional organizational efforts into massive institutional systems that rely on the latest global technologies and artificial intelligence. This rich historical legacy makes caring for pilgrims a great honor and responsibility passed down through generations of wise leadership, which works to modernize and develop these efforts year after year to meet the needs of the ever-increasing millions of Muslims arriving from all corners of the earth.
Record numbers in safe water supplies
Bin Dakhil explained that the system has enhanced its readiness through more than 5,000 qualified personnel. In the water sector, the highest levels of preparedness have been implemented to ensure a safe water supply during the peak season. The Saudi Water Authority completed its preparations by increasing production capacity to a record high of over 3.8 million cubic meters per day, an 18% increase compared to last year. Transmission capacity was also increased to 2.3 million cubic meters per day, a 32% increase. Storage capacity rose to more than 8.8 million cubic meters, an increase of over 49%, while distribution capacity increased by 10% to reach 1.3 million cubic meters per day, ensuring continuous service throughout the season. For the first time, a standardized operational code was implemented, linking 18 entities to guarantee the supply chains of more than 4,100 facilities within the holy sites.
Strategic dimensions and impact of the readiness of the holy sites
The announcement of the Holy Sites' readiness has far-reaching implications, extending to significant regional and international dimensions. Locally, these massive preparations stimulate the national economy, create seasonal employment opportunities, and foster sustainable infrastructure development. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in managing millions of pilgrims within a limited geographical area and at a specific timeframe reinforces its leading position in the Islamic world and provides a global model for crowd and crisis management, ensuring food, water, and health security under the most challenging climatic and logistical conditions.
Environmental monitoring and giant water networks
The National Water Company has completed its preparations through a vast water network exceeding 5,700 kilometers in length, conducting more than 4,000 laboratory tests daily to ensure water quality and safety. On the monitoring front, the National Center for Meteorology has completed its technical and human resource readiness through a network of 92 technical units covering the Holy Sites and entry points with 100% coverage. The National Center for Environmental Compliance continues to utilize the latest technologies, including satellites and drones, to monitor environmental challenges and respond to them immediately.
Food security and animal health
Regarding animal health, the “Wiqa’a” Center and the National Agricultural Services Company operate within an integrated field system, having cleared more than two million head of livestock at the main quarantine facilities. More than 6,000 tons of liquid waste are being treated in accordance with biosecurity requirements. The “Mawan” Center has adopted technical guidelines for waste management, and is working to transport more than 10,000 tons and recycle 25,000 cubic meters of waste. The General Authority for Food Security is working to provide strategic reserves to ensure the stability of food supplies throughout the season.
Weather conditions and safety guidelines
The spokesperson noted that this year's Hajj season coincides with the beginning of spring, predicting temperatures in Mecca and the holy sites to range between a high of 44 degrees Celsius and a low of 29 degrees. He urged pilgrims to adhere to preventative guidelines, use umbrellas, and drink plenty of fluids to ensure their well-being. He concluded his statement with a prayer that God accept the pilgrims' Hajj and that He continue to bless the Kingdom with the service of the Two Holy Mosques.
