Hajj Media Operations Centre Highlights Success In Security, Health, And Logistics For Pilgrims

The Ministry of Media’s Hajj Media Operations Center recently held a conference where officials from various ministries shared insights on the successful execution of Hajj 1446 AH plans. Representatives from the ministries of interior, Hajj and Umrah, health, and transport highlighted their roles in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub from the Interior Ministry extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to pilgrims while assuring them of ongoing security efforts at key sites like Mina, the Grand Mosque, and Jamarat. He emphasized the importance of following dispatch schedules and designated routes for stoning and Tawaf, advising against carrying luggage in crowded areas. Enhanced security measures have led to a significant reduction in violations, with 436 fake campaigns dismantled and 462 violators apprehended.

Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi from the Hajj and Umrah Ministry praised Saudi Arabia's advanced crowd management model for its safety and efficiency despite complex logistics. He noted that 64% of pilgrims chose to spend the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina before proceeding to Arafat. By early evening on Eid, over 436,000 pilgrims had completed Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Sa'i.

The Nusuk app played a crucial role during Hajj, with over 5.5 million electronic readings guiding more than 35,000 pilgrims. It also facilitated the transport of over 400,000 bags. Nusuk Care centers provided over 50,000 services, while the 1966 call center handled more than 310,000 inquiries. Dr. Alnwaimi stressed that pilgrims should remain in camps between 10 am and 4 pm during Tashreeq daylight hours to avoid heat exposure.

Khalid Al-Tala from the Health Ministry highlighted the smooth movement of pilgrims along pedestrian routes due to well-placed health teams. The health plan's success was evident with a notable reduction in heat stress cases—down by 90% compared to last year—with only 362 cases reported. This achievement was attributed to strict "No Hajj without a permit" regulations and effective dispatching plans.

Over 125,000 integrated health services were provided during Hajj, including 18 open-heart surgeries and 216 cardiac catheterizations. Khalid Al-Tala assured that no disease outbreaks occurred during this period.

Transport Efficiency

Saleh Al-Zuwaid from the Transport and Logistic Services Ministry reported efficient operations for the Al-Mashaer train on Arafah Day. The train transported over 294,000 pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah and more than 349,000 from Muzdalifah to Mina. The service will continue until Dhu Al-Hijjah 13.

A new shuttle service has been introduced from west Jamarat to the Grand Mosque, capable of moving up to 20,000 passengers per hour using 100 buses on a dedicated route lasting about 20 minutes. With over 45,000 national cadres involved in transportation operations, preparations are complete for pilgrim departures via six designated airports. Pilgrims are urged to comply with luggage regulations for smooth travel experiences.

With inputs from SPA