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By Rehan Khan
MAKKAH, June 06 (APP): The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and well-organized Hajj, once again activated its annual national campaign, “No Hajj Without a Permit,” as a central pillar of its strategic efforts to manage the world’s largest religious gathering.
Aimed at both domestic and international pilgrims, the campaign serves as a clear reminder of the importance of adhering to a regulated system – an essential element of Saudi Arabia’s broader national vision for a successful and dignified pilgrimage. The initiative underscores the government’s dedication to providing comprehensive services, preventing disorder, and protecting pilgrims from unsafe and unauthorized practices.
The campaign specifically targets challenges such as unregistered pilgrims, traffic congestion, and fraudulent Hajj arrangements that have previously endangered lives and disrupted the smooth execution of the pilgrimage. In the 1446 AH Hajj season, Saudi authorities adopted a zero-tolerance approach, deploying awareness campaigns, bolstering checkpoints at Makkah’s entry points, leveraging advanced surveillance technologies, and swiftly enforcing penalties against violations.
The impact of these measures was clearly visible on the Day of Arafah, where pilgrims reached their designated camps on schedule, resulting in smooth traffic flow and an unusually serene atmosphere around Arafat and the Namirah Mosque. Worshippers performed the core rituals in a calm and secure environment, bolstered by a strong presence of support services.
Every authorized pilgrim was provided with designated spaces at the holy sites, equipped with housing, catering, healthcare, and transportation services to meet their essential needs. Smart platforms and mobile applications played an integral role in enhancing awareness and streamlining logistics.
Cross-sector coordination among government agencies ensured efficient movement between ritual sites via buses and the Mashair Train. Tools such as the Nusuk Card and real-time technical monitoring systems reinforced regulatory compliance and facilitated crowd management.
The campaign was further supported by the Ministry of Interior’s Makkah Route Initiative, now in its seventh year. Operating across 11 international airports, the initiative has significantly streamlined immigration and arrival procedures for over one million pilgrims since its launch in 2017.
This season’s success is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030, which prioritizes the enhancement of Hajj and Umrah services. Through stringent regulation, smart infrastructure, and a people-first approach, the Kingdom continues to raise the standards of pilgrimage management – ensuring that every Guest of Allah completes their journey with safety, dignity, and spiritual fulfillment.