Intensive efforts are underway to prepare Mina to receive pilgrims
Field teams from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Capital Municipality, have begun intensive work to prepare and sanitize Mina immediately after the pilgrims depart for Arafat. This proactive step is part of the comprehensive operational plan for this year's Hajj season, ensuring Mina is fully ready to receive pilgrims after their departure from Arafat and Muzdalifah, and providing a healthy and safe environment befitting the significance of the fifth pillar of Islam.
The pilgrims' journey through history in the valley of Mina
Mina is one of the most important stops on the Hajj pilgrimage, historically and religiously linked to the great rituals performed by the prophets and followed by Muslims since the dawn of Islam. This blessed valley lies between Mecca and Muzdalifah and witnesses the largest annual human gathering in the world during the days of Tashreeq. Over the ages, the services provided in Mina have developed dramatically. Whereas traditional tents were once the only refuge, today Mina is a modern, fire-resistant city of white tents, reflecting the care and attention the Saudi leadership devotes to developing the infrastructure of the holy sites, facilitating the performance of rituals, and providing the utmost comfort for the pilgrims.
Field mobilization to ensure the success of the redevelopment of Mina
The ministry explained that the field teams were able to complete their tasks in record time, with operations including intensified waste removal and the application of the highest environmental sanitation standards. To ensure immediate response to any emergencies, the sites were reinforced with additional teams equipped with suction pumps, tankers, and field vehicles operating around the clock to handle various emergency situations, including rainfall or, God forbid, fires.
In a related context, the Holy Capital Municipality stated that it has deployed more than 13,000 workers to work in Mecca and the Holy Sites. These workers are supported by all the necessary equipment and machinery to maintain a high level of cleanliness and field services throughout the Hajj season, reflecting complete readiness to handle the massive influx of people arriving simultaneously.
Positive implications of successful crowd and waste management
The successful management of this massive gathering extends far beyond the local level, leaving a positive impact on both regional and international levels. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presents the world with a unique and innovative model for crowd and crisis management, further solidifying its leading position in organizing major events. This meticulous organization sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide that the pilgrims are in safe hands and that the efforts undertaken are commensurate with the significance of this most prominent Islamic event.
To achieve this, the waste management system in the Holy Sites operates according to a comprehensive operational plan. Waste is transported to transfer stations located around the Holy Sites, where it is stored after the Day of Arafah in a massive system comprising more than 1,230 compactors, each with a capacity of 8 tons, in addition to more than 110 underground storage facilities with a total storage capacity of approximately 2,825 tons. The Ministry also confirmed the provision of approximately 88,000 waste collection units distributed throughout the Holy Sites, supporting the improvement of waste collection efficiency and environmental protection, thus contributing to providing the best possible services to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God.
