Civil Defense enhances safety measures at the Prophet's Mosque for the safety of visitors
As part of ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has enhanced preventative inspections and safety measures at the Prophet's Mosque and the surrounding central area, as well as at accommodations and hotels designated for visitors. This step aims to ensure the availability of all safety requirements and fire protection systems, guaranteeing the security and well-being of pilgrims during their stay in Madinah.
A comprehensive strategy for serving visitors
These measures are of paramount importance given the immense religious significance of the Prophet's Mosque, which is visited by millions of Muslims annually. These initiatives align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of more pilgrims and visitors, thus necessitating the highest levels of security and preventative preparedness. The Kingdom consistently dedicates all its human and technological resources to ensuring that visitors can perform their religious rites in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Indeed, crowd safety and risk management at the holy sites serve as a global model for managing large crowds.
Field readiness and immediate response
The General Directorate of Civil Defense confirmed the continued operation of its field support centers and teams, and the deployment of rapid intervention units to critical locations. The use of motorcycles equipped for initial firefighting has also been activated within the Prophet's Mosque courtyards and crowded areas, aiming to achieve optimal response times in emergencies and overcome any obstacles that may arise due to high crowds. The operational plan also includes intensifying preventative oversight to monitor and address any issues immediately before they escalate into hazards.
Awareness and communication
In addition to the field effort, the plan focused on the awareness aspect by broadcasting guidance messages via electronic screens and digital panels spread across squares and sites that witness high human density, to promote a culture of safety among visitors and worshippers.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense called on everyone to adhere to the safety instructions announced through official media outlets, and stressed the importance of contacting the Unified Security Operations Center (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the number (998) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, to request immediate assistance when needed, God forbid.
