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This year’s Hajj season concluded on a remarkable note, marking a major milestone as it not only met its goals, but exceeded expectations across all fronts.

It ended without any serious health issues, security incidents, or epidemic cases — reflecting the success of the comprehensive health and security measures in place.

In a public address from Mina at the season’s conclusion, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah and vice chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, announced the successful completion of Hajj, highlighting its excellence in security, health, and services.

He emphasized that the exceptional execution of operational plans was key to this success, as they were carefully designed to support the spiritual journey of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and peace.

Prince Saud also praised the vital role of personnel across key sectors — security, health, and general services — and commended the dedication of male and female volunteers who contributed to the success of this sacred event.

Key factors behind the success of this year’s Hajj included meticulous planning and effective execution across multiple sectors — health, transportation, logistics, food services, and accommodation.

Seamless coordination among government agencies and the integration of advanced technologies for crowd management also played a crucial role.

Effective organization, strategic crowd management, and meticulous planning were key to this achievement. Comprehensive, seamless services further enriched the pilgrims’ experience

High-quality infrastructure, efficient transport services, and the dedication of security personnel, healthcare workers, and volunteers all ensured a smooth, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims.

Notably, stricter and more rigorously enforced security measures — especially the requirement of an official permit to perform Hajj — were instrumental in ensuring safety and effective crowd control.

The Ministry of Interior’s “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign helped guarantee a secure and well-organized pilgrimage for officially authorized participants.

Severe penalties were imposed on those attempting Hajj without authorization, including visit visa holders. Robust security measures also curbed illegal bedding practices and prevented fatalities from suffocation and stampedes.

The cooperation of pilgrims and their adherence to safety guidelines issued by Hajj authorities significantly contributed to a smooth and safe spiritual experience.

Improvements to infrastructure and safety at several holy sites helped reduce risks related to crowding, jostling, and extreme heat exposure.

As part of the Green Holy Sites initiative, the Saudi government has planted more than 20,000 trees across 290,000 sq. meters, improving air quality and creating a more comfortable environment for pilgrims.

The success of this year’s Hajj is the result of coordinated efforts by more than 30 government and non-government entities, supported by more than 420,000 personnel and the discipline of the pilgrims themselves.

Effective organization, strategic crowd management, and meticulous planning were key to this achievement. Comprehensive, seamless services further enriched the pilgrims’ experience.

Strict enforcement of Hajj regulations by security forces ensured a safe and incident-free pilgrimage, with no reports of communicable or non-communicable diseases.

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

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