Makkah Prepares For Hajj Season 2024 With Comprehensive Plan To Welcome Millions

The Municipality of Makkah is gearing up for the 1445 Hajj season with a detailed plan to ensure the well-being and comfort of millions of pilgrims. The municipality has mobilized 22,000 individuals, including administrators, engineers, technicians, sanitation workers, and support teams from various sectors. Additionally, hundreds of security personnel, volunteers, and temporary health workers will be deployed to enhance services.

Technology plays a crucial role in the municipality's plan. A fleet of specialized machinery and equipment, including high-tech sanitation vehicles, has been assembled to manage waste efficiently. Thirteen sub-municipalities and service centres across the holy sites will be strategically equipped to address any arising needs.

Ensuring a clean environment for pilgrims is paramount. The municipality has adopted a 24-hour cleaning regime in high-density areas, utilizing overlapping shifts. To manage waste during Hajj, the municipality has prepared 1,135 electrical waste compression boxes and 113 temporary ground storage warehouses in Mina. Nine large compressor trailers, four transfer stations, and 87,000 waste containers of varying sizes will also be utilized.

Food Safety Measures

Food safety is another top priority. Dedicated teams will monitor markets, restaurants, and catering services round the clock. A central laboratory equipped with the latest technologies will analyze food samples to ensure safety and quality. Three additional mobile laboratories will be deployed in high-traffic areas to expedite testing.

Coordination and Infrastructure

The municipality acts as a central hub, coordinating with permanent committees overseeing pilgrim residences, building safety, addressing negative behaviour near the Grand Mosque, and removing encroachments at holy sites. Joint committees established with regulatory authorities further enhance coordination.

Seasonal committees like those overseeing crowd management, pilgrim dispatching, metro line operations, and public transport supervision ensure seamless operations. Seven slaughterhouses operate at high capacity, adhering to hygiene standards under the Kingdom's Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (animal sacrifice carried out by pilgrims). These facilities can handle over 1,020,000 animals during Hajj.

Infrastructure Maintenance

The municipality carefully monitors and maintains extensive infrastructure within Makkah and holy sites. This includes 66,000 paved roads, 58 tunnels, 105 bridges, a 550-kilometre network for floodwater drainage, and an illumination network with over 114,000 lights. Public facilities like restrooms and parks are continuously maintained by contractors to ensure high service standards throughout the season.

Emergency Preparedness

Municipality representatives actively participate in Public Security, Civil Defence, and Emergency Forces operations rooms. Dedicated technical teams respond swiftly to reports received through the municipality’s operations room. A well-equipped emergency unit and support teams stand ready 24/7 to deal with potential fires, building collapses, and rain-related incidents. This unit works closely with all relevant authorities.

The Makkah Municipality's comprehensive plan underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving millions of pilgrims who embark on the sacred journey of Hajj. By combining extensive human resources and advanced technology, the municipality aims to create an environment that facilitates a safe and fulfilling Hajj experience for all.

With inputs from SPA