Al-Abdulkarim inspects the readiness of the water system in Mecca for the Ramadan season
As part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, the President of the Saudi Water Authority, Engineer Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, conducted a comprehensive inspection tour to assess the readiness of the water system in Makkah and the Holy Sites. This tour is part of proactive plans to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the water supply for pilgrims and worshippers visiting the Grand Mosque, given the anticipated increase in water consumption during the holy month.
A comprehensive inspection tour of the water system's components
The field visit included an inspection of all components of the water supply chain, from production and transportation systems to storage and distribution. Al-Abdulkarim was directly briefed on operational processes and current performance indicators, in addition to reviewing seasonal demand management plans. The visit focused on ensuring the efficiency of mechanisms to enhance technical readiness and coordination among the various components of the system, guaranteeing a water flow that meets the highest internationally recognized quality standards.
Al-Shuaiba and the Martyrs' Reservoir: Pillars of Water Security
The visit included an inspection of the production and transmission systems at the Shu'aiba desalination plants, which are the main artery for supplying Makkah with desalinated water. These plants boast massive production capacities that meet increasing demand. The Chairman also inspected the strategic Martyrs' Reservoir, which supplies the Grand Mosque, the central control room, and the distribution network control centers of the National Water Company. He was briefed on the advanced real-time monitoring systems that track pumping and distribution rates with high precision, enabling rapid and effective intervention in emergencies.
The tour extended to include the tunnel and Miqat of Wadi Mahram, as it is one of the strategic routes supporting water supplies in the holy sites during peak seasons, reflecting the precise engineering planning of the water network in the central area and the holy sites.
Integrating efforts with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
On the sidelines of the inspection tour, Engineer Al-Abdulkarim held a coordination meeting with the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest preparations and ways to enhance the integration of efforts between the Authority and the Ministry. This coordination aims to ensure efficient performance and unify efforts to serve the pilgrims, guaranteeing a comfortable and safe environment for Umrah performers during Ramadan, a season that typically sees high population density requiring meticulous logistical coordination.
A strategic context for serving the guests of God
These preparations are of particular importance given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s great interest in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, which represents a fundamental pillar in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s water system is working to harness all technical and human capabilities and modern technologies to ensure sustainable water security in Makkah, which represents a unique geographical and operational challenge due to its topographical nature and the millions of visitors.
At the conclusion of his tour, Al-Abdulkarim affirmed that all preparations are being managed with a proactive methodology based on institutional integration and operational discipline, in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership - may God support them - to provide the highest quality services to the guests of God, and to enhance the reliability of the water system to keep pace with the growing demand during peak seasons.
