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Each year, the Saudi government improves services for pilgrims by introducing innovative solutions addressing healthcare, transportation, logistics, and other essential needs to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites announced its readiness for this year’s Hajj season with a series of projects and initiatives focused on the central area and holy sites.

These efforts cover infrastructure, transportation, field services, and healthcare, reflecting strong coordination among relevant authorities to serve pilgrims.

In the central area, pedestrian facilities have been enhanced with expanded sidewalks, shaded pathways, and designated prayer areas to improve crowd flow.

To improve service quality, comfort, and safety along Hajj routes, development in Muzdalifah included a 170,000 sq. meter pedestrian path with rubber flooring and the planting of 10,000 trees for shade and heat reduction.

Field preparations in Mina included a 200-bed hospital and 71 emergency centers along the routes for first aid and logistical support.

Additional central area improvements include rest areas, shaded seating, and 400 new water coolers ensuring 24-hour water availability.

To increase capacity, two-story tents have been built to enhance housing, alongside multi-story restrooms that expand pilgrim camps and optimize space.

Upgraded transportation, expanded healthcare, advanced crowd management, and multilingual assistance reflect meticulous planning and deep respect for this sacred journey

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services and its affiliates announced full readiness for this year’s Hajj season.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation also allocated more than 3 million seats on charter and scheduled flights for domestic and international pilgrims.

Saudia airline confirmed its readiness with more than 1 million seats and 2,000 flights using its 158-aircraft fleet to serve pilgrims worldwide.

For land transportation, the Transport General Authority prepared more than 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis at the entrances to Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

The Roads General Authority completed maintenance on more than 7,400 km of roads to the holy sites and inspected 247 bridges to ensure maximum safety.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Railways announced more than 2,000 trips on Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, transporting more than 2 million passengers between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway operates 35 electric trains at speeds up to 300 kmph, transporting passengers between Makkah and Madinah via three stations.

A key government initiative is the Makkah Route program, which streamlines the pre-travel process through bilateral agreements with several countries.

At dedicated pre-clearance centers, pilgrims complete immigration, have luggage received and transported directly, and begin their spiritual journey with minimal logistical burden.

Since its 2017 launch, the program has served more than 1 million pilgrims, reflecting its growing impact and efficiency. It aligns with the Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030, enhancing the pilgrimage journey.

For this year’s Hajj season, the Saudi Ministry of Interior will implement the initiative at 11 airports in seven countries: Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Cote d’Ivoire.

The ministry stresses the importance of obtaining a Hajj permit to prevent unauthorized access to Makkah and the holy sites.

Violators and facilitators face strict penalties to protect Hajj’s sanctity. Performing or attempting Hajj without a valid permit can incur fines up to SR20,000 ($5,333).

Facilitators — those applying for visas under false pretenses, transporting unpermitted pilgrims, or providing shelter — may be fined up to SR100,000, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.

Unauthorized residents or pilgrims will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years. These measures, alongside comprehensive services, ensure the safety, dignity, and organization of Hajj for all authorized pilgrims.

This year’s pilgrimage season highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety, comfort, and spiritual experience of millions of pilgrims.

Upgraded transportation, expanded healthcare, advanced crowd management, and multilingual assistance reflect meticulous planning and deep respect for this sacred journey.

These initiatives ensure a smoother experience and reaffirm º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s role as a capable and compassionate host.

To make the most of these services, full cooperation from pilgrims is essential. Strict adherence to official instructions and regulations is key to ensuring a safe and fulfilling Hajj experience.

The Ministry of Interior urges all pilgrims to follow Hajj rules for everyone’s safety and well-being. The public is encouraged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz

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