Preparing the mosques of Mecca and Medina for the Hajj season 1447 | Islamic Affairs
As part of the intensive preparations to receive the pilgrims, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is highlighting its efforts in preparing the mosques of Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, conducted a field inspection tour to assess the readiness of the projects and services implemented by the Ministry, ensuring the provision of the highest quality services to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership.
The ongoing historical care to serve the pilgrims of the Two Holy Mosques
Since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites has been a top priority for the leadership. Plans to develop the mosques in Mecca and Medina are an extension of a long history of meticulous care, construction, and continuous development in the Hajj and Umrah sector. Historically, the Kingdom's efforts have not been limited to expanding the Two Holy Mosques, but have also included the complete development of infrastructure in the holy sites such as Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, to ensure the accommodation of the millions of pilgrims arriving annually and to provide a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching environment that enables them to perform their rituals with ease, tranquility, and peace of mind.
Details of the plan to prepare the mosques of Mecca, Medina and the holy sites
The Minister's inspection tour included assessing the readiness of major mosques of significant historical and Islamic importance, such as the Namira Mosque in Arafat, the Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, the Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina, and the Hajj Pilgrims' Mosque. The Ministry has mobilized all its human and technical resources, equipping more than 20,000 mosques and prayer halls in Mecca and Medina, particularly those located along the pilgrims' routes and in the central area, to support the Two Holy Mosques. The work included comprehensive maintenance and upgrades to air conditioning, sound systems, lighting, and public safety measures.
Quality projects to alleviate the heat burden and provide water for pilgrims
In light of climate change and rising temperatures during the current Hajj season, the importance of innovative and high-quality projects has become evident. Among the most significant is the project to reduce heat load in the back courtyards of Namira Mosque and Al-Khaif Mosque, which effectively contributes to cooling the air and lowering temperatures on pedestrian walkways in the Jamarat area. Additionally, a project to provide water to pilgrims at Al-Khaif Mosque and the land pilgrims' mosque was launched, with the participation of the non-profit sector through a generous donation from citizen Maha Al-Haqbani, boasting a capacity exceeding 123,000 pilgrims per hour.
Regional and international impact of services for pilgrims
The anticipated impact of these massive preparations extends far beyond the local level, leaving a profound positive mark on both regional and international levels. Pilgrims returning home convey a vivid picture of the technological and service advancements offered by the Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a leader in the Islamic world. To maximize this impact, the Ministry has approved over 160,000 outreach activities, delivered by 1,822 preachers and 220 translators. More than 1.4 million educational materials have been distributed in 27 international languages, and nearly 1.9 million copies of the Holy Quran and its translations in over 80 languages have been made available for distribution to pilgrims from around the world.
Digital transformation in serving pilgrims
The ministry did not neglect the technological aspect, providing free Wi-Fi at pilgrim accommodations and employing modern technologies such as interactive screens, an electronic library, the "Rushd" application, and 3D learning technology. Islamic awareness booths and free video and telephone communication were also activated around the clock, ensuring that every pilgrim receives accurate religious guidance in their native language.
At the conclusion of his tour, His Excellency the Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman - may God protect them - for the unlimited support and generous care that embodies the great importance that the Kingdom attaches to serving Islam and Muslims.
