RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has announced extensive preparations for an unprecedented Hajj season this year, with the number of pilgrims expected to exceed 2 million.
The Hajj season, which begins on Friday, will see major initiatives and arrangements to ensure a successful and comfortable experience for all pilgrims.
Royal patronage and early readiness
During a Cabinet meeting on June 4, King Salman bin Abdulaziz confirmed that all preparations and arrangements for Hajj 2024 have been completed.
The kingdom has deployed all necessary efforts and resources to improve the comfort and safety of pilgrims, according to state media.
This year’s Hajj season is notable for the implementation of an “early preparedness plan”, which began immediately after the previous Hajj season ended.
Warm welcome and efficient transportation
Saudi Arabia warmly welcomed the pilgrims, facilitating the smooth completion of procedures and transportation.
The first flight carrying 283 pilgrims from India was received by senior officials on May 9.
Also Read: Hajj 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Holy Muslim Pilgrimage
As of Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports reported the arrival of 1,547,295 pilgrims through air, land and sea ports, with expectations for that number rising, the kingdom’s official SPA news agency reported.
Extensive plans and initiatives
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah highlighted several key plans and initiatives, as reported by SPA.
Training more than 120,000 workers and team leaders, more than 2,500 training workshops in various languages to help more than 10,000 volunteers, and upgrading facilities at holy sites with sunshades, mist fans and improved escalator performance are among the initiatives.
The minister also said that 11 buildings have been brought in to accommodate 37,000 pilgrims and that they have improved the area around the Holy Monument or “the Hajj station of Muzdalifah” for easier movement.
The preparation of the world’s largest cooling station for the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and the operation of the Mashair train, carrying over 350,000 pilgrims between holy sites, were the kingdom’s other preparations.
Ministry of Defense preparation
The Ministry of Defense has deployed 1,666 medical personnel, established 23 health units, 10 hospitals, nine primary clinics, four emergency centers and 30 rapid response teams.
The Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques aims to translate Arafat’s sermon into 20 languages, reaching a billion listeners.
Read: Mina expects millions as Haj begins today
They also prepared 5,138 workers and 4,000 machines for the daily cleaning and disinfection of the Grand Mosque and installed 883 air conditioning units, 4,079 ventilation fans and 244 fog fans.
Director General of Public Security Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Basami assured full preparedness for the Hajj period, with decisive action against any disruptions.
Key initiatives
Mecca Route: Facilitates direct travel from pilgrims’ countries to their accommodation, benefiting over 250,000 pilgrims from seven countries through 11 airports.
Pavement support: Uses flexible rubber asphalt from recycled tire waste to improve the health and quality of life of pilgrims, the Department of Transport said.
Model Camp: Focuses on sustainable solid waste management, turning food waste into soil enhancers with no emissions or odors, the National Waste Management Center revealed.
Best Medium: Promotes tolerance, coexistence and moderation during Hajj.
With these comprehensive preparations, Saudi Arabia said it aims to ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
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