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By Rehan Khan
MAKKAH, June 06 (APP): As millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has deployed an unprecedented array of services blending advanced technology with human expertise to ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling experience for the Guests of Allah.
From the pilgrims’ arrival on Saudi soil to the completion of rituals and their eventual departure, the Saudi government has implemented a comprehensive, integrated system designed to provide logistical, medical, security, transportation, and religious services at the highest standards, said a report issue by the UNA-OIC on Friday.
At the core of this service matrix is a robust healthcare infrastructure. Modern hospitals and mobile medical facilities are fully equipped to handle emergencies and routine care alike. In Arafat, key installations such as Mount Mercy Hospital and the Field Medical Services Hospital feature 100 beds, including specialized units for heat exhaustion, surgery, and isolation, along with mobile clinics, radiology equipment, and an onsite pharmacy.
In Mina, pilgrims benefit from four major hospitals – Emergency, Mina Bridge, Mina Al-Wadi, and Mina New Street – with a combined capacity exceeding 560 beds. Additionally, 16 emergency centers and various health outposts are strategically located across the Jamarat Bridge complex and other sites.
Health services are further reinforced by hospitals in Makkah city, including King Abdulaziz, King Faisal Specialist, Al-Noor Specialist, and King Abdullah Medical City. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has activated a fleet of 11 air ambulances, staffed by over 120 medical personnel, for rapid response across 13 helipads.
Supporting these efforts, the National Unified Procurement Company for Medical Supplies (NUPCO) ensured the uninterrupted flow of critical medical resources to over 136 health sites, completing 800 logistics trips and delivering around 90 million units of medicines and supplies. To enhance distribution, 62 dedicated transport vehicles and 184 staff members were deployed.
Virtual care is also a key feature this year. The “Seha” virtual hospital offers 24/7 digital health services, including telemedicine for stroke and cardiac care, AI-driven diagnostics, and smart monitoring for chronic conditions.
Ensuring pilgrims’ safety is a primary concern. The Hajj Security Forces, in coordination with civil and military agencies, operate under an integrated aviation and surveillance system. Technologies such as high-resolution satellite imagery, geospatial AI (GeoAI), and real-time data analytics enable effective monitoring of human and vehicle movement.
The SMART Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) was activated to oversee these technologies. Platforms such as “Baseer,” “Sawaher,” and “Sawaher Qiyada” provide advanced crowd analytics, real-time video surveillance, and AI-powered decision support for field teams.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense introduced “Saqr,” an AI-enabled drone, to support firefighting and rescue operations, particularly in inaccessible areas.
The Mashair Train – connecting Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina – operated over 2,000 trips during Hajj, transporting more than two million pilgrims with a fleet of 17 trains, each with a 3,000-passenger capacity. Designed to handle over 72,000 passengers per hour, this system significantly reduces congestion and environmental impact.
Each train route is tailored to match specific ritual movements, with the final station in Mina reaching the Jamarat Bridge’s fourth level to facilitate safer and faster access.
The National Water Company ensured uninterrupted supply, pumping over 980,000 cubic meters of water on the Day of Tarwiyah alone to serve pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites. Infrastructure upgrades included the Heat Stress Mitigation Project at Jabal al-Rahmah, cooling a 196,000-square-meter area with mist fans and shaded structures.
The Mashair Pathway in Muzdalifah saw the installation of 103,000 square meters of eco-friendly rubber flooring to reduce heat absorption and physical fatigue. Rest areas with seats, mist fans, green spaces, and drinking facilities were also added along pilgrim routes.
In Mina, older staircases were replaced with 32 escalators to improve accessibility, especially for the elderly. Moreover, 5,628 modern two-story toilets replaced outdated facilities, improving hygiene and comfort.
Over 35 sites within the 5G network and 83 within the 4G network were upgraded to ensure seamless connectivity. New technologies like VoLTE enabled high-definition calls and fast data. A total of 21 new sites and 78 mobile communication units were deployed to high-density areas, while 998 Wi-Fi access points provided reliable internet access for pilgrims across all key locations.
The Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi (Adahi) readied seven large slaughterhouse complexes across 1 million square meters, with a capacity exceeding one million animals in just 84 hours. The project employed 25,000 staff including scholars, veterinarians, technicians, and butchers, combining religious adherence with high operational efficiency.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched awareness booths and digital services to offer on-the-spot religious advice. The toll-free hotline and digital “Smart Manasik Guide” helped pilgrims access accurate information without physical contact.
Additionally, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque translated the key Hajj sermons – Arafah, Eid al-Adha, and Friday – into 35 languages, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.
Educational programs and digital media initiatives reached over 25 million pilgrims and global followers, enhancing the spiritual and educational dimensions of Hajj.
The 1446 AH Hajj season stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to harmonizing innovation and tradition in service of pilgrims. Through investments in healthcare, transportation, crowd control, digital infrastructure, and spiritual guidance, Saudi Arabia continues to elevate the standards of pilgrimage management – ensuring every Guest of Allah receives the care, dignity, and safety they deserve during this sacred journey.