The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing's efforts to serve pilgrims during the 1447 AH season
The relevant authorities have announced the completion of operational preparations, with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing leading the way in serving pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season. These efforts are supported by a comprehensive service system in the holy sites, backed by more than 22,000 field personnel working around the clock, with one staff member dedicated to every 76 pilgrims. This extensive preparation reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing the best possible services to the guests of God and facilitating their performance of the Hajj rituals with ease and peace of mind.
The role of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in serving pilgrims is a historical extension of the Kingdom's efforts
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors at the forefront of its priorities since its unification. Over time, the Holy Sites have witnessed significant advancements in infrastructure and municipal services. Saudi Vision 2030 reinforces this historical legacy by harnessing modern technologies and developing smart cities to ensure the comfort of pilgrims. The mobilization of all capabilities and resources today is a natural extension of this long history of care and attention, transforming Mecca and the Holy Sites into a continuous workshop aimed at facilitating the performance of rituals according to the highest international standards.
The local and international impact of successful Hajj season management
The success of the Hajj season extends beyond the spiritual realm, encompassing far-reaching positive impacts. Locally, these massive preparations contribute to the development of Makkah's infrastructure and create thousands of seasonal jobs, positively impacting the national economy. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's ability to manage millions of pilgrims in a limited geographical area and within a record timeframe serves as a global model for crowd and crisis management. Furthermore, safeguarding public health and the environment ensures the safe return of pilgrims to their home countries, thus enhancing global health security and preventing the spread of epidemics.
Advanced infrastructure to ensure smooth traffic flow
The Ministry explained that the total area of infrastructure developed in the Holy Sites exceeds 4.6 million square meters. This infrastructure includes advanced road networks, modern lighting systems, bridges and tunnels, as well as stormwater drainage networks. To ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims between different locations, 20 bridges and 18 tunnels have been activated, directly contributing to traffic flow and facilitating the safe arrival of pilgrims to their destinations.
Hygiene and environmental sanitation: a top priority
In terms of hygiene and environmental sanitation, the Ministry activated more than 88,000 cleaning units, supported by 3,000 field vehicles and equipment. In addition, 1,235 waste compactors and 113 underground storage facilities were provided to support operational processes. This extensive infrastructure enhances the efficiency of waste management and maintains a healthy environment within the Holy Sites.
Strict health and food safety controls
As part of its health and food safety oversight efforts, the Ministry has activated 66 service centers, in addition to five advanced laboratories, to conduct daily tests and analyses. Inspection teams also carry out more than 2,800 field visits daily, analyzing approximately 1,300 laboratory samples each day. These stringent measures build upon the success of last season, which saw zero confirmed cases of food poisoning.
Rapid field reporting and response system
Within the field reporting and response system, operational teams receive and process approximately 30,000 reports through the Baladi platform and its associated channels. The system recorded an impressive average response time of just 1 minute and 13 seconds, a clear indicator of its efficiency and speed in handling cases. In addition, two shelter and emergency centers were established as part of the proactive season preparedness plans, aiming to achieve the highest standards of safety, health, and quality of life in the Holy Sites.
