Extensive Publicization of Preparation Strategy for Annual Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Millions of pilgrims are set to descend upon Saudi Arabia's holy sites for this year's Hajj, with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque unveiling an extensive plan to enhance their safety and spiritual experience.
In preparation for the event, the authority has devised a meticulous blueprint that focuses on various aspects—from accessibility and climate control to healthcare, educational support, and transportation.
Key upgrades take place at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. These include 22 elevators and 224 escalators activated to ease movement throughout the expansive complexes, as well as 13 dedicated prayer areas for individuals with disabilities to facilitate access for all.
Moreover, 199 gates have been strategically positioned to manage crowd flow, particularly during peak times, while religious and educational materials will be available in 27 languages to cater to the diverse global Muslim community.
To ensure comfort amidst the desert heat, additional measures such as 883 air conditioning units, 244 mist fans, and 3,139 ventilation fans have been installed. To augment these efforts, 432 fragrance diffusers will release calming aromas, contributing to an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.
Healthcare and safety are other essential components of the plan. Equipment such as a new emergency hospital, 15 ambulance units, 71 rapid response stations, and 64 two-story health complexes has been installed to address medical emergencies swiftly.
Transportation and logistics have also been addressed with 9,094 single-trip buses and 2,230 two-trip buses providing efficient transport for pilgrims. Additionally, digital Hajj experiences and AI technologies will be leveraged to support crowd management, safety, and enhance pilgrims' comfort, with a focus on multilingual support and digital guidance.
The comprehensive field plan is designed to deliver a seamless, safe, and spiritually rewarding journey for pilgrims while upholding the highest standards of organization, accessibility, and hospitality.
Pilgrims can find religious and educational materials available in multiple languages during this year's Hajj, aiming to cater to the diverse global Muslim community. To facilitate access for all, lifestyle improvements include 13 dedicated prayer areas while the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque undergo disruptive education enhancements, such as 22 elevators, 224 escalators, and air conditioning units.
