Hajj season 1447 AH in Makkah: Monitoring tours and integrated environmental services
The Makkah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture successfully concluded its field, monitoring, and service operations during the 1447 AH Hajj season, achieving record-breaking results that reflect the extensive preparations and efforts undertaken to ensure the safety of food and water for pilgrims. This success was made possible through effective coordination with various relevant governmental and security agencies, enabling the provision of the highest quality services to visitors of the Holy Mosque and facilitating their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
An integrated monitoring system to ensure food safety during the Hajj season of 1447 AH
As part of the Ministry's vital oversight role, field teams conducted 15,504 intensive inspection tours covering markets, slaughterhouses, and public health facilities in the Holy City of Mecca. These thorough inspections resulted in the detection of 462 violations and warnings, which were dealt with immediately in accordance with established regulations.
At the slaughterhouse level, a total of 90,825 head of livestock were slaughtered during the season, all of which underwent rigorous veterinary inspection to ensure they were disease-free and fit for human consumption. Based on approved medical examinations, 8,492 cases of partial condemnation and 1,125 cases of total condemnation of unfit carcasses were recorded, while 232 healthy carcasses were delivered to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need.
Saudi Arabia's historic leadership in crowd management and logistics
These massive efforts are an extension of the long history of care and attention that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given to the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites. For decades, the Kingdom has been working to develop the infrastructure and regulatory and health systems to accommodate millions of pilgrims annually. The management of sacrificial animals and slaughterhouses, and ensuring safe food, are fundamental pillars of the annual Hajj plans. Mechanisms have evolved from traditional methods to state-of-the-art, automated slaughterhouses operating according to the highest international environmental and health safety standards, thus preventing the spread of epidemics and preserving the civilized appearance of the holy sites.
Enhancing health security and reducing waste in the holy sites
The positive impact of these regulatory and environmental measures extends locally and regionally, contributing to the protection of health and environmental security and preventing any food shortages or disease outbreaks that could affect international travel and public health. In the context of reducing food waste, regulatory efforts included the central Al-Kaakiyah market in Makkah, where field visits resulted in improved compliance levels and the distribution of over 7,618 kilograms of edible fruits and vegetables to approved charities to support those in need and ensure the optimal use of surplus food.
Operational integration and broad community engagement
To ensure smooth operations, the Support Services Department bolstered field operations with 26 field teams comprising 341 employees, in addition to operating 57 vehicles and pieces of equipment, and issuing 443 permits to individuals. The Central Emergency Room also efficiently handled 13 reports referred from the Unified Operations Center, and the Joint Committee conducted 19 field drills in coordination with security agencies to enhance preparedness.
On the volunteer front, the season witnessed a remarkable presence with the organization of 327 volunteer opportunities involving 1,161 volunteers across 10 specialized associations. These volunteers contributed to the distribution of 1,585 meals and over 305,191 bottles of water to pilgrims. This was accompanied by an intensive media campaign that included the publication of 179 press releases, 232 infographics, and the production of 35 documentary videos highlighting these exceptional efforts.
Engineer Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry’s branch in the Makkah region, confirmed that this remarkable success is the result of integrated efforts and unlimited support from the wise leadership to provide the best services to the guests of God in accordance with the approved operational plans.
