����ֱ��

RIYADH: ����ֱ�� reaffirmed its full readiness to serve pilgrims during Hajj 1446H, with more than 1.07 million pilgrims already in the Kingdom and advanced digital systems deployed across sectors to ensure a safe and seamless experience for them.

At a joint press conference on Monday, ministers from Hajj and Umrah, Health, Transport and Media outlined the strategic and operational plans for the pilgrimage season, which align with Vision 2030’s goals for service excellence.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that more than 1.4 million Nusuk smart cards had been issued and more than 30 new digital services launched via the Nusuk app this year. The digital platform supports the entire pilgrim journey, from arrival to departure, including permits, mobility, guidance and real-time updates.

Al-Rabiah said that pilgrim camp allocations in Mina and Arafat were now fully integrated with crowd flow systems.

“We began preparing for this season immediately after the last one ended,” he said. “From digital permits to onsite inspections, our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all.”

As part of the operational strategy, the ministry has conducted more than 37,000 inspections of service providers this month, identifying 3,400 violations and resolving them immediately.

To assist pilgrims on the ground, more than 120 guidance points have been established, including the “Ask Me” service and more than 400 electric carts for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said that more than 50,000 healthcare services had been delivered, with no epidemic cases detected so far.

A 60 percent increase in clinical capacity has been implemented this year, supported by three field hospitals, 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances and 11 air ambulances. Since the start of the season, the ministry has performed 140 surgeries, 65 heart catheterizations and six open-heart operations.

“Our focus is prevention first, followed by rapid response,” Al-Jalajel said. “We are committed to protecting every pilgrim from harm.”

Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser announced the integration of smart monitoring systems, including the use of drones to monitor crowd movement and sensor-enabled roads to reduce heat by up to 12 degrees Celsius.

The Mashair Train will carry up to 72,000 pilgrims per hour, while Haramain High-Speed Railway is offering 2 million seats, up by 400,000 from last year. Additionally, rubberized and cooled road technologies have been expanded by 30 percent to improve comfort and reduce heat exposure.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said that the Kingdom had launched Hajj awareness campaigns in 50 languages and was now hosting international broadcasters from more than 25 countries. More than 10,000 Wi-Fi access points have also been activated in the holy sites to keep pilgrims connected.

Al-Dosari emphasized the role of AI this year in managing crowd flow and optimizing decision making in real time through data analysis, all handled by trained digital teams.

“Serving pilgrims is a duty we inherit and honor,” he said. “Every detail matters and this year, every tool of technology and collaboration is in place to ensure a successful Hajj.