The transportation of pilgrims to the holy sites during Hajj has been carried out successfully, according to the Ministry of Interior’s Security Spokesman Colonel Talal Al-Shalhoub. The pilgrims returned to Mina to perform the ritual of stoning the Satan at the Jamarat and to the Grand Mosque to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah. The security agencies are ensuring the pilgrims’ security and safety during their stay at Mina and their performance of the Hajj rituals at the Grand Mosque and the Jamarat.
Col. Al-Shalhoub called on the pilgrims to follow regulations concerning crowd movement, designated routes, and to remain calm while performing the necessary rituals. Serving pilgrims and the Two Holy Mosques with human resources and financial capabilities is a top priority for the Saudi leadership.
The Ministry of Health provided healthcare services to more than 215,000 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, including hospitalization of more than 4,000 cases. Highly qualified medical staff and well-equipped healthcare facilities were put in place to ensure the wellbeing of the pilgrims during their Hajj rites. The virtual hospital continued to deliver services using the latest technologies, including dealing with cases of heat stress.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Abdali, the official spokesman of the Ministry of Health, urged the pilgrims to be cautious, avoid direct exposure to the sun and excessive exertion, rest well, follow health instructions, and adhere to hygienic standards, including the use of face masks. Pilgrims were also encouraged to contact the call center at 937 for any inquiry, care, or medical emergency.
Dr. Ayed Alghwainim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs, stated that the dispatching of pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah was completed shortly after midnight with a high compliance rate. The time required for the mission did not exceed eight hours, and there was direct follow-up from the leaders of the pilgrims’ service system and the transportation and logistics services.
The sacrificial process was organized with the highest environmental standards, using an advanced system for managing animal waste. The Saudi project to benefit from sacrificial meat has the capacity to slaughter up to 950,000 sacrificial animals and distribute their meat.
To enable the pilgrims to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah smoothly, the shuttle transfer service from Mina to the Grand Mosque was available from 15 parking lots and stations, with 1,500 buses operating on eight lanes. About 40 percent of the pilgrims had been transported by Wednesday evening.
The operational lines of Al-Mashaer train proceeded as planned, providing easy transportation for the pilgrims. The train benefited more than 106,000 passengers, and preparations were made for the departure stage, including the Hajj Without A Bag Initiative, which would benefit over 200,000 pilgrims. Employees would be available around the clock to supervise the accurate arrival of pilgrims at airports.
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is studying the development of transportation between the holy sites, including linking Al-Mashaer train to Al-Haramain train, passing through the central area of Makkah.
Overall, the Hajj rituals were performed smoothly and calmly, with integrated health services at the holy sites. The Saudi government and relevant authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of pilgrims and continue to enhance the pilgrimage experience year after year.
