The Ministry of Commerce intensifies its inspection tours in the holy sites

Government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to exert their utmost efforts to serve the pilgrims of the Holy House of God. In this context, the Ministry of Commerce's inspection teams have conducted intensive field visits and continuous monitoring of food supplies in the holy sites. This proactive step aims to ensure the ample availability of food supplies and the readiness of markets and retail outlets to meet all the needs of the pilgrims throughout their performance of the rituals with ease and peace of mind.

Details of food supplies distributed in the holy sites

The Ministry of Commerce revealed impressive figures reflecting the scale of logistical and supply preparations for this year's Hajj, with over 622 million essential goods distributed to various retail outlets in the holy sites since the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah. These essential goods included pilgrims' daily necessities to ensure no shortages occurred at any location.

The ministry detailed the quantities of food items that were escalated and made available, as follows:

• More than 83.8 million loaves of bread were made available through bakeries and authorized retail outlets.
• More than 291 million bottles of healthy water were prepared to cope with high temperatures and ensure continuous hydration for pilgrims.
• More than 226.6 million packages of various dairy products, juices and soft drinks.
• More than 21.2 million ice blocks for cooling water and preserving food in camps and catering facilities.

Objectives of inspection tours and ensuring the quality of services

The Ministry of Commerce's efforts were not limited to simply supplying goods; its intensive inspection tours focused on verifying the quality and validity of consumer products on offer. These tours aimed to ensure that establishments and commercial outlets comply with regulations and instructions, and to combat any attempts at monopolization or price manipulation.

Field teams work around the clock to ensure the readiness of markets and food services provided to pilgrims, and to address any reports immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, which contributes to creating a safe and reliable shopping environment for the pilgrims in all their movements between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

Historical background and organizational efforts of the Kingdom in Hajj

Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized the development of the Hajj and Umrah system as a top priority for its wise leadership. With the increasing number of pilgrims each year, organizational mechanisms have evolved from simple, traditional efforts to the use of the latest technologies and integrated operational plans. Food security and supply management in the Holy Sites one of the key pillars that has witnessed significant advancements, with planning beginning months in advance of the season to ensure the smooth flow of goods without any logistical obstacles.

Regional and international impact of organizational success during the Hajj season

The successful management of millions of pilgrims and the provision of hundreds of millions of food items, medical services, and security personnel within a limited geographical area and in a short timeframe represent a global model for crisis management and logistics. This organizational excellence has garnered widespread international and regional acclaim, highlighting the Kingdom's exceptional ability to lead and organize the world's largest annual human gathering with efficiency and competence, thus reinforcing its leading position in the Islamic world and the international community.