ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ outlines security strategies for Hajj

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ outlines security strategies for Hajj
ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ's Ministry of Interior outlined comprehensive security and organizational strategies for the Hajj season 2025 during a press conference on Sunday. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 02 June 2025

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ outlines security strategies for Hajj

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ outlines security strategies for Hajj
  • Authorities seize 252 fake Hajj campaigns and arrest 1,239 transporters breaching Hajj regulations
  • Almost 110,000 unauthorized vehicles turned back, as were 269,678 people not residing in Makkah, 75,943 people without Hajj permits, and 11,610 in breach of various regulations

RIYADH: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ's Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational strategy to ensure an incident-free 2025 Hajj season.

The ministry held a press conference with Hajj security force commanders on Sunday at the Unified Security Operations Center. Briefing attendees included key officials such as Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the director of public security, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari, commander of special emergency forces at the presidency of state security, Maj. Gen. Hamoud Al-Faraj, director-general of civil defense, and Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Marba, the acting director-general of the general directorate of passports.

Al-Bassami affirmed ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s commitment to prepare a safe, secure, and organized environment for pilgrims.

He said the efforts aligned with the directives of the minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, who has endorsed extensive security and organizational plans for the 2025 Hajj season.

These plans, he said, encompass all facets of security, public order, crowd management, traffic flow, and emergency response, implemented through an integrated framework that spans the pilgrims’ entire journey, from arrival to departure.

Al-Bassami said that any attempts to disrupt security or violate regulations would be met with strict and uncompromising action.

He further emphasized the readiness of the Grand Mosque and the holy sites to manage large crowds, aiming to alleviate congestion and maintain safe capacities on all roads and holy sites.

Seasonal traffic management plans are also in effect for routes leading to Makkah and Madinah, as well as central area entrances, to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.

The General Directorate of Public Security reported significant enforcement actions.

Authorities seized 252 fake Hajj campaigns and apprehended 1,239 transporters violating Hajj regulations.

Additionally, 109,632 unauthorized vehicles were turned back, as were 269,678 people not residing in Makkah, 75,943 people without Hajj permits, and 11,610 people who disobeyed residency, labor and border security regulations.

Furthermore, the number of visit visa holders who arrived for the purpose of Hajj reached 205,713.

Al-Omari reiterated the forces' commitment to ensuring protection and maintaining order during the Hajj season.

He detailed the implementation of precise field plans, focusing on preventing infiltrators and unauthorized individuals from accessing the holy sites.Ìý

The plans include managing and organizing crowd movement at the Jamarat stoning facility and the southern courtyard of the Grand Mosque to ensure smooth flow and pilgrim safety.

In a notable development, Al-Faraj announced the first use of the Falcon drone for firefighting and rescue operations, a new addition to the General Directorate of Civil Defense’s Hajj operations this year.Ìý

He emphasized the sector's readiness to implement its approved plan in service of the pilgrims.

Al-Marba outlined the directorate’s integrated plan within the Ministry of Interior’s security framework.Ìý

This plan is built upon four pillars: ensuring full readiness to receive pilgrims at air, land, and sea ports, including those under the Makkah Route Initiative; enforcing regulations against illegal pilgrim transporters through seasonal administrative committees at Makkah’s entrances; providing support to security and service agencies in the holy sites through field presence; and organizing and overseeing the departure of pilgrims post-Hajj.

Ìý


Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road
Updated 1 min 2 sec ago

Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a “mobile sites†service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down.

The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.

 


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
Updated 2 min 50 sec ago

Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi†(Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam†(Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,†with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program†episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days†airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk†program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk†distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

 


Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice
Updated 29 min 12 sec ago

Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice
  • ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983

MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.

Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµâ€™s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.

During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.

Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.

In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.


ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
Updated 31 min 19 sec ago

ÂÜÀòÊÓÆµ provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
  • 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
  • Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated

RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.

As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.

Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.

Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.

This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.


Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina
Updated 02 June 2025

Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina
  • The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost

MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.

The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.

It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.

A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.

The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.

Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.

Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.