萝莉视频

How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction

Special How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction
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The Green Riyadh Program features several large city parks, including Al-Urubah Park, Al-Munsiyah Park, Al-Rimmal Park, and Al-Qadisiyah Park. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City photo)
Special How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction
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General view of a wadi in 萝莉视频's northwestern province of Tabuk. (Saudi Green Initiative photo)
Special How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction
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Al-Urubah Park, one of the largest parks in the city of 鈥嶳iyadh, has an area of 754,000 square meters. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City photo)
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Updated 29 March 2025

How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction

How 萝莉视频鈥檚 Circular Carbon Economy Framework is setting a global benchmark for emissions reduction
  • The Kingdom aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through its G20-backed strategy
  • NEOM is a living lab for CCE, integrating zero-carbon infrastructure and smart energy systems

RIYADH: Introduced during 萝莉视频鈥檚 G20 presidency, the Circular Carbon Economy Framework has gained significant traction, advancing emissions cuts, renewable energy investments, and carbon capture efforts.

In 2020, G20 leaders endorsed the framework to promote a sustainable, cost-effective approach to addressing climate change while ensuring clean energy access.

Building on this, the Kingdom launched its Circular Carbon Economy National Program in 2021 to reduce and offset carbon dioxide emissions through strategies of reduction, recycling, reuse, and removal.

鈥淲ith the creation of the Circular Carbon Economy National Program, 萝莉视频 has made several critical decisions that directly contribute to sustainability and climate change mitigation,鈥 Jorge Gascon, a chemical engineering professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.

These decisions include 鈥減olicy integration, renewable energy investment, and carbon capture initiatives.鈥

The program also recognizes the importance of natural carbon absorption and sets an ambitious goal to sustainably manage, restore, and preserve 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2040 using all available mitigation strategies.




Jorge Gascon

鈥溌芾蚴悠 has embedded the CCE framework into its national policies, notably through the Saudi Green Initiative,鈥 said Gascon.

鈥淭he SGI aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through implementing CCE principles and accelerating the transition to a green economy through emissions reduction, afforestation, and protection of land and sea.鈥

He noted that 萝莉视频 is shifting its energy mix toward sustainability, with a goal of 50 percent renewable energy.

DID YOU KNOW?

鈥 萝莉视频 has launched more than 30 Circular Carbon Economy initiatives across its energy system.

鈥 In 2021, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

鈥 The circular economy reduces fossil fuel reliance, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and boosts energy security.

On carbon capture, Gascon said: 鈥淭he Kingdom is engaged in international advocacy, notably during its G20 presidency and beyond, as well as various collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing initiatives through institutions such as KAPSARC and KAUST.鈥

KAUST is a partner in the development of the CCE Strategy, along with Aramco, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, AEON Strategy, and numerous other organizations.

The CCE鈥檚 development aligns with earlier efforts to promote sustainability. At the Future Investment Initiative forum in 2019, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman discussed the CCE.

The following year, at the G20 Leaders鈥 Summit in Riyadh, King Salman introduced the National Program for the Circular Carbon Economy during the 鈥淪afeguarding the Planet鈥 event, urging global cooperation to address climate change 鈥渂y developing the economy and increasing human prosperity.鈥




"Family Photo" for annual G20 Summit World Leaders is projected onto Salwa Palace in At-Turaif. (AN file)

Before the national program, 萝莉视频 had many initiatives focusing on carbon capture and conversion into valuable raw materials.

鈥淣umerous areas of research at KAUST intersect with CCE, including catalysis, clean combustion, advanced membranes, and porous materials,鈥 Gascon said. 鈥淜AUST supported a parallel Circular Carbon Initiative to capture the contributing science and technology.鈥

He added: 鈥淐CE builds on the principles of the circular economy while recognizing that removal must play a key role in achieving this circularity.

鈥淚n this way, a 4R (reduce, reuse, recycle, remove) approach is proposed to manage carbon emissions effectively, resulting in a closed loop that minimizes waste and CO2 emissions.鈥




Illustration听image courtesy of Aramco.com

Gascon highlighted that 鈥渢he paradigm shift of the CCE occurs when we recognize carbon as a friend rather than an enemy.鈥

Through the Circular Carbon Economy Framework and various energy initiatives, 萝莉视频 is strategically establishing itself as a global leader in CCE.

This position is backed by the Kingdom鈥檚 abundant natural resources, significant technological investments and a strong commitment to sustainable development.

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Majed Al-Qatari, a sustainability leader, ecological engineer, and UN youth ambassador, said that since the G20 launch of the CCE framework, 鈥溌芾蚴悠 has introduced relevant and impactful initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the National Renewable Energy Program.鈥

He told Arab News that 鈥渢hese bold efforts demonstrate tangible progress in reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy and deploying carbon capture technologies.鈥

Al-Qatari cited NEOM, one of the Kingdom鈥檚 flagship projects, as a 鈥渞eal-world testing ground for these efforts, embedding zero-carbon infrastructure, smart energy systems, and net-zero mobility.鈥




Ecological engineer and UN youth ambassador听Majed Al-Qatari. (AN file)

He added: 鈥淚n 2025 and beyond, I expect further scaling of blue and green hydrogen projects, along with enhanced regional cooperation in carbon management.鈥

Al-Qatari also highlighted the four pillars of the CCE framework: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove.

鈥淭he Kingdom applies this through initiatives like energy efficiency standards (reduce), CO2 utilization in industrial processes (reuse), circular water reuse in agriculture (recycle), and large-scale carbon capture and storage projects such as those by Aramco/SABIC (remove),鈥 he said.

Asked what he believes was the motivating factor for 萝莉视频鈥檚 adoption of the Circular Carbon Economy Framework during the G20, Al-Qatari said: 鈥溌芾蚴悠 sought to play a leading role in advancing a global dialogue that aligns climate goals with economic mandates.

鈥淭he CCE framework was introduced in order to showcase an inclusive, technologically neutral mechanism that takes into account relevant pathways to mitigate carbon emissions without compromising energy security or economic development.鈥

Al-Qatari noted that the framework has become a global reference model, particularly for hydrocarbon-reliant economies.

鈥淭he framework offers a transition pathway that is practical and inclusive of conventional sources of energy like oil and gas while advancing climate goals,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ther jurisdictions are considering the Kingdom鈥檚 model in order to customize it for their local contexts.鈥




Saudi Green Initiative illustration听

Looking to the future, Al-Qatari highlighted 萝莉视频鈥檚 target of net-zero emissions by 2060. 鈥淪uch targets will be fostered by innovation, renewables, hydrogen, carbon management, and circular practices,鈥 he said.

鈥淔uture goals would involve expanding circularity practices into other sectors and materials such as water, and waste sectors, while also crystallizing local environmental, social, and governance markets and strengthening regulatory frameworks for corporate sustainability and sustainable finance.鈥

When asked about the role of innovation and technology in advancing CCE, Gascon stressed KAUST鈥檚 importance in research and development.

鈥淜AUST is pioneering breakthroughs in CO2 capture, including direct air capture, cryogenic CO2 capture, and other point-source technologies, as well as nature-based carbon sequestration strategies and geological storage solutions,鈥 he said.




KAUST is pioneering breakthroughs in CO2 capture, including direct air capture, cryogenic CO2 capture, and other point-source technologies. (KAUST photos)

鈥淚t also drives advancements in synthetic fuels, such as clean ammonia and hydrogen carriers, alongside the integration of renewable energy and the optimization of industrial processes.

鈥淜AUST collaborates with industry leaders, including Saudi Aramco and NEOM, to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture and sustainable fuel technologies.鈥

Gascon emphasized that KAUST鈥檚 research and public-private partnerships align with 萝莉视频鈥檚 Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

鈥淚mplementing national policies, such as Vision 2030, ensures strategic alignment with circular economy principles, focusing on reducing pollution and improving resource utilization,鈥 he said.


Muslim pilgrims 鈥榮tone the devil鈥 as Hajj nears end in 萝莉视频

Muslim pilgrims 鈥榮tone the devil鈥 as Hajj nears end in 萝莉视频
Updated 47 min 29 sec ago

Muslim pilgrims 鈥榮tone the devil鈥 as Hajj nears end in 萝莉视频

Muslim pilgrims 鈥榮tone the devil鈥 as Hajj nears end in 萝莉视频
  • Muslims taking part in the pilgrimage throw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in the Mina valley

MINA, 萝莉视频: Pilgrims were performing the last major ritual of the Hajj 鈥 the 鈥渟toning of the devil鈥 鈥 on Friday, as Muslims around the globe celebrated the beginning of the Eid Al-Adha holiday.

From before day break, the 1.6 million-plus pilgrims began throwing seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolising the devil in the Mina valley, on the outskirts of the holy city of Makkah.

 

 

Droves of pilgrims had already set out from their accommodation in the sprawling tent city in Mina before dawn, taking advantage of the cool temperatures.

The ritual commemorates Abraham鈥檚 stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God鈥檚 order to sacrifice his son.

***

GALLERY: Hajj Pilgrimage 2025: Muslims 鈥榮tone the devil鈥 

***

鈥淥ur experience in Mina was easy and simple. We entered and within five minutes we had completed the stoning of the devil at the 鈥楯amarat鈥,鈥 said 34-year-old Wael Ahmed Abdel Kader, from Egypt, after carrying out the ritual at dawn.

Howakita, a pilgrim from Guinea, said the prospect of celebrating Eid in Makkah filled her with joy.

鈥淲hen I threw the stones I felt at ease. I was truly proud,鈥 she said.

A day earlier, pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, praying and reciting Qur鈥檃nic verses at the 70-meter (230-foot) rocky rise near Makkah, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have given his last sermon.

Many climbed the mount despite the searing heat, though numbers had thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
 

 

This year鈥檚 Hajj saw authorities implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts alongside a wide-ranging crackdown on illicit pilgrims 鈥 resulting in noticeably thinner crowds and a heavy security presence at holy sites in Makkah and surrounding areas.

The measures were aimed at preventing a repeat of last year鈥檚 Hajj that saw 1,301 people die in temperatures that hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit).

Saudi authorities said a majority of those deaths were among pilgrims who slipped into Makkah illegally and lacked access to accommodation and other services aimed to keep pilgrims safe and protected from the searing desert heat.

This Hajj season has recorded the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, barring the years of Covid restrictions from 2020-2022.

Last year, 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj, according to official figures.

Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery system.

But even for those who can secure them, the high costs spur many to attempt the Hajj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught.

The stoning ritual in the Mina valley was the scene of a fatal stampede in 2015, when 2,300 people were killed in one of the deadliest Hajj disasters.

萝莉视频 earns billions of dollars a year from the Hajj, and the lesser pilgrimage known as umrah, undertaken at other times of the year.

The pilgrimages are also a source of prestige for the Saudi monarch, who is known as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Medina.

The end of the Hajj coincides with the beginning of Eid Al-Adha 鈥 an annual feasting holiday marked by the slaughter of an animal 鈥 typically a goat, sheep, cow, bull or camel.


Pilgrims depart Muzdalifah at midnight for stoning ritual in Mina

Pilgrims depart Muzdalifah at midnight for stoning ritual in Mina
Updated 06 June 2025

Pilgrims depart Muzdalifah at midnight for stoning ritual in Mina

Pilgrims depart Muzdalifah at midnight for stoning ritual in Mina
  • Each pilgrim casts seven pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba, symbolizing the rejection of evil. The ritual is repeated over the next two days at all three Jamarat pillars

RIYADH: The early hours of Friday saw pilgrims start the journey from Muzdalifah to Mina, where they will perform one of Hajj鈥檚 most symbolic rituals 鈥 the stoning of the Jamarat, which marks the beginning of Eid Al-Adha and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim鈥檚 rejection of Satan.

Following a night of worship and rest, where the travelers combined and shortened the Maghrib and Isha prayers and collected pebbles for the ritual, the movement to Mina began shortly after midnight.

Saudi authorities orchestrated operations with meticulous precision, ensuring pilgrims moved in structured waves to prevent overcrowding and followed routes mapped out in advance by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

Security personnel, crowd control units and volunteer guides lined the roads to ensure pilgrims 鈥 many of whom were elderly or physically exhausted 鈥 could travel safely.

Transportation was provided by a fleet of buses operating on strict schedules. Many people also used the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, the dedicated Hajj-only rail system which loops between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah and can carry up to 72,000 passengers per hour. According to Saudi Press Agency, the nine-station line significantly reduced surface congestion and supported the Kingdom鈥檚 strategy for a safe and sustainable Hajj.

Upon arrival in Mina, pilgrims proceeded to Jamarat Bridge, a purpose-built, multi-level structure designed to accommodate millions performing the stoning ritual.

Each pilgrim casts seven pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba, symbolizing the rejection of evil. The ritual is repeated over the next two days at all three Jamarat pillars.

The millions of pebbles fall into the Jamarat鈥檚 basement, which is 15 meters deep, where they are collected by conveyor belts.

They are then sifted, washed to remove impurities, and transferred to storage vehicles. Ahmed Al-Subhi, a representative of Kidana Development Co., which manages the holy sites, said bags of pebbles were prepared in advance and distributed at more than 300 contact points in Muzdalifah and Mina.

The process is part of a broader system designed to reduce the ritual鈥檚 environmental impact and preserve its spiritual symbolism.

To ensure smooth flow at the Jamarat, the bridge is equipped with advanced surveillance systems, ventilation units, emergency exits and designated pathways for groups and individuals.

Entry and exit are managed through RFID-based Nusuk cards and digital crowd-tracking systems operated by the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, 1,673,230 pilgrims are performing Hajj this year, with some 1,506,576 coming from outside the Kingdom.


How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience

How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience
Updated 06 June 2025

How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience

How AI tech innovation has elevated the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage experience
  • AI tools are transforming the Hajj experience, enhancing safety, easing logistics, and enriching spirituality for millions of pilgrims
  • From crowd control to faith tools, Hajj 2025 showcases a bold fusion of ancient ritual and cutting-edge digital innovation

RIYADH: As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims to Makkah in 2025, 萝莉视频 is using a powerful suite of artificial intelligence tools to ensure that this sacred journey is safer, smoother, and more spiritually enriching than ever before.

In a remarkable blend of ancient ritual and modern innovation, the Kingdom is harnessing AI, biometric technologies, and digital services to overcome the logistical challenges of hosting one of the world鈥檚 largest religious gatherings 鈥 from crowd control to heat management 鈥 all while preserving the sanctity of the experience.

AI-powered tools have been developed to give pilgrims more time to focus on their Hajj obligations. (SPA photo)

鈥溌芾蚴悠 carries an immense responsibility in hosting millions of pilgrims,鈥 Hatem Mandeel, managing director and co-founder of the digital transformation consultancy Tyde AI, told Arab News. 鈥淚t continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to this role through innovative approaches to event management and safety.鈥

At the heart of this transformation is Vision 2030, the Kingdom鈥檚 national roadmap for economic diversification and digital growth. This year鈥檚 Hajj reflects those ambitions in action, with technologies being used to streamline everything from spiritual guidance to crowd movement.

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Among the most notable are two new tools 鈥 the Smart Enrichment Assistant and the Digital Mutawwif.

Developed by the Agency for Religious Affairs at the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque, the Smart Enrichment Assistant provides real-time updates on prayer times, imam schedules, and locations of religious activities. Offered in numerous languages, it reduces logistical stress while deepening spiritual engagement for pilgrims.

AI-powered tools have been developed to give pilgrims more time to focus on their Hajj obligations. (SPA photo)

The Digital Mutawwif, meanwhile, was created by the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet鈥檚 Mosque to serve as a digital companion for Umrah pilgrims. It includes navigation tools for tawaf and sa鈥檌, a library of audio-visual supplications, and built-in ritual counters to help pilgrims stay focused and on track.

These tools are complemented by the Makkah Route Initiative, a fast-track immigration service powered by biometric technology and AI.

Now operating at 11 international airports in seven countries, the initiative allows pilgrims to complete visa, customs, and health checks before boarding their flights 鈥 reducing congestion on arrival.

Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has developed the Smart Makkah Operations Center (Smart Moc) to ensure the safety and comfort of Hajj pilgrims and facilitating their movement and the services provided to them. (SPA)

It is supported by round-the-clock monitoring systems run by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, which ensure health compliance and swift issue resolution through AI-driven analytics.

Behind the scenes, more sophisticated AI platforms are addressing the enormous logistical demands of Hajj. One of the most critical is Baseer, a platform developed by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Using computer vision and machine learning, Baseer tracks and analyzes the movements of more than one million worshippers a day inside the Grand Mosque. The insights help authorities predict crowd surges and prevent dangerous bottlenecks.

DID YOU KNOW?

鈥 Smart Enrichment Assistant helps pilgrims navigate rituals with real-time updates and multilingual spiritual guidance.

鈥 Digital Mutawwif guides pilgrims step by step through tawaf and sa鈥檌, with visual aids, supplications, and ritual counters.

鈥 Makkah Route Initiative fast tracks immigration using biometrics and AI, easing congestion before pilgrims even arrive.

鈥 Baseer tracks more than a million worshippers a day to manage crowd flow and prevent bottlenecks at the Grand Mosque.

Using AI at this scale is a major milestone in event management, especially in sensitive, sacred contexts.

鈥淏uilding this technology is one thing, but maintaining system reliability under high demand, ensuring data privacy and properly onboarding personnel is a whole operation in itself,鈥 Mandeel said.

Adding a more personal and interactive touch, the Kingdom has also introduced Manarah 2, a multilingual robot equipped with a smart touchscreen. It provides real-time information and guidance to pilgrims in several languages, along with a dedicated application to help non-Arabic speakers recite Surah Al-Fatiha correctly.

鈥淭his demonstrates how 萝莉视频 is taking the initiative to manage 鈥 but also elevate 鈥 the sacred journey for millions of pilgrims,鈥 Mandeel said. 鈥淭his is a powerful example of how AI can thoughtfully enhance sacred, deeply human experiences 鈥 something more people globally should be aware of and inspired by.鈥

With extreme heat, massive crowds, and time-sensitive rituals, the pilgrimage poses huge logistical challenges. But 萝莉视频鈥檚 strategic investment in AI is setting a global standard for how digital transformation can serve human traditions.

鈥淭his proactive use of technology not only supports the goals of Vision 2030,鈥  Mandeel said. 鈥淏ut also offers a model for other nations managing large-scale gatherings in sensitive contexts.鈥
 

 


From Arafat to Muzdalifah, 1.6m Hajj pilgrims continue their sacred journey

From Arafat to Muzdalifah, 1.6m Hajj pilgrims continue their sacred journey
Updated 05 June 2025

From Arafat to Muzdalifah, 1.6m Hajj pilgrims continue their sacred journey

From Arafat to Muzdalifah, 1.6m Hajj pilgrims continue their sacred journey
  • As the sun set over Mount Arafat, signaling the end of the day鈥檚 rituals, pilgrims began leaving en masse for Muzdalifah, a holy site nestled between Arafat and Mina
  • Travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah was achieved by using a vast fleet of buses operating on a phased schedule

RIYADH: On Thursday, corresponding to Dul Hijjah 9, more than 1.67 million pilgrims gathered on the plain of Arafat, marking the spiritual apex of the Hajj pilgrimage.

From early morning, the atmosphere in Arafat was one of intense devotion, with worshippers praying, reciting the Qur鈥檃n, and raising their hands in supplication.

The Day of Arafat, considered the most sacred in the Islamic calendar, is the heart of the Hajj journey.

In Muzdalifah, the pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil ritual at the Jamarat area in Mina. (AN photo by Huda Bashattah)

As the sun set over Mount Arafat, signaling the end of the day鈥檚 rituals, pilgrims began leaving en masse for Muzdalifah, a holy site nestled between Arafat and Mina.

The move to Muzdalifah is an integral part of Hajj, combining logistical coordination with spiritual significance.

This leg of the journey is tightly choreographed by Saudi authorities to ensure safe and efficient travel despite the enormous scale of the operation.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, 1,673,230 pilgrims are performing Hajj this year, with 1,506,576 of them from outside the Kingdom.

The number of domestic pilgrims is 166,654, including citizens and residents.

Managing the movement of such large numbers requires seamless coordination between several agencies, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Interior, and the Transport General Authority.

Travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah was achieved by using a vast fleet of buses operating on a phased schedule. Additionally, the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, a railway system built exclusively for Hajj, played a major role in easing congestion.

The nine-station metro can transport up to 72,000 pilgrims an hour in one direction, operating on a circular loop connecting Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

Authorities also used smart surveillance systems, drones, and real-time data to monitor crowd movement and prevent bottlenecks.

Volunteers and security personnel were stationed at checkpoints to guide pilgrims and ensure safety during this critical transition.

Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, pilgrims performed the Maghrib and Isha prayers 鈥 traditionally shortened and combined 鈥 before beginning another key ritual: collecting 49 pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat site in Mina.

Many pilgrims chose to rest or sleep under the open sky, emulating Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 practice during his farewell pilgrimage. Although logistically smaller than other holy sites, Muzdalifah was fully equipped with ample lighting, shaded rest areas, water stations, and mobile medical units.

The Ministry of Health deployed more than 120 ambulances and several field hospitals at Arafat and Muzdalifah, supported by thousands of medical staff to respond to heat stress, dehydration, or urgent health issues.

Mobile clinics were also stationed at key points to assist elderly and vulnerable pilgrims.

These logistical and health measures reflect 萝莉视频鈥檚 long-term commitment to improving the Hajj experience under Vision 2030.

Through a blend of faith, planning, and technology, this year鈥檚 Hajj continues to evolve into a model of safety, efficiency, and spiritual focus for millions of Muslims worldwide.

 

 


Tough security ensures safe, smooth Hajj

Tough security ensures safe, smooth Hajj
Updated 05 June 2025

Tough security ensures safe, smooth Hajj

Tough security ensures safe, smooth Hajj
  • The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season

ARAFAT: 萝莉视频 has intensified the enforcement of Hajj permit regulations this year, barring individuals without official permits from entering Makkah to ensure that authorized pilgrims can fully benefit from the Kingdom鈥檚 services and facilities.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that security forces had been deployed across all key access points to Makkah to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the city in the days leading up to Hajj. The intensified measures come in response to longstanding concerns over the strain placed on infrastructure and essential services by unauthorized pilgrims.

The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)

The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season.

By ensuring that only authorized individuals enter Makkah during the Hajj season, the Kingdom aims to maintain public health, optimize crowd control and uphold the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims have voiced their support for the tightened rules. (AN photo by  Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

In a recent press conference, held ahead of Hajj, the Kingdom detailed preparations aligned with the directives of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud. The strategy covers public safety, crowd and traffic control, and emergency responses throughout the pilgrims鈥 journey.

Authorities reported the dismantling of 252 fake Hajj campaigns, the arrest of 1,239 illegal transporters, and the return of 269,678 non-residents of Makkah, 75,943 unauthorized pilgrims and 109,632 vehicles. An additional 11,610 individuals were found violating residency, labor and border laws.

The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)

The move is part of a broader effort by authorities to safeguard the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure the safety and comfort of registered pilgrims.

The MoI has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 (more than $5,300), with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10.

The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season. (AN photo by  Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

The ministry warned that foreign nationals found in violation would, in addition to the financial penalty, be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for ten years.

The ministry also confirmed that a financial penalty of up to SR100,000 would be imposed on anyone who transported holders of visit visas or attempted to transport them with the intent of bringing them to the city of Makkah or the holy sites during the same period.

The ministry added it would request the competent court to confiscate any land transport vehicle proven to have been used for this purpose if owned by the transporter, an accomplice or any party found to be involved.

In previous years, emergency rooms in Makkah hospitals were often overwhelmed with medical cases involving individuals who entered the city without valid Hajj permits. Many lacked access to official accommodation and transportation, resulting in overcrowding not only in emergency facilities but also in the Grand Mosque and the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat 鈥 areas whose capacity is topographically constrained.

Pilgrims have voiced their support for the tightened rules. In previous seasons, illegal pilgrims strained logistical operations, including food distribution, transportation schedules and accommodation management.

Indian couple Altaf Hussein and his wife Farhana told Arab News that they were pleased with the running of this year鈥檚 Hajj.

鈥淚 am happy with their management,鈥 Hussein said. Farhana added that it was her first time performing Hajj and that it was unlike what she had heard about.

鈥淔rom day one in Makkah, I am so happy and thankful to Allah the Almighty, and may Allah keep the two holy mosques鈥 management prosper,鈥 she said.

Marwa Al-Said, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that this year鈥檚 Hajj felt 鈥渆specially exceptional鈥 with unauthorized pilgrims barred from entering Makkah.

鈥淚 would like to thank you all. The arrangements you are applying this year are truly different,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 feel comfortable 鈥 there is no hardship, no fear and none of the worries we usually hear about during Hajj. It is, seriously speaking, real security.鈥

According to an official at Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital in Arafat, the one-day facility 鈥 which in previous years typically received hundreds of patients during the Hajj season 鈥 had recorded only two emergency cases as of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.