The Deputy Governor of Mecca chairs the Hajj and Umrah Committee in preparation for Ramadan
As part of intensive preparations for the annual peak season, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Committee, chaired a meeting of the committee's Standing Committee, in accordance with the directives of the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal. The meeting, held at the Governorate headquarters in Jeddah, focused on reviewing and approving operational plans to ensure the readiness of relevant authorities for the holy month of Ramadan.
These intensified efforts reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's profound commitment to serving pilgrims and are in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and provide them with the best possible services. The Ramadan season represents a true and crucial test for all sectors operating within the Grand Mosque in Mecca, given the anticipated massive influx of pilgrims and worshippers from both inside and outside the Kingdom. This necessitates a high level of coordination among all security, service, and health agencies.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed in detail the plans to expand the implementation of performance indicators to measure the quality of services provided at the Grand Mosque. Discussions included a review of the readiness of infrastructure and vital facilities, including the circumambulation area (Mataf), the buildings of the Third Saudi Expansion, the outer courtyards, bridges, pedestrian tunnels, and temporary transportation hubs. The committee emphasized the need for integrated efforts to ensure the smooth flow of crowds, the safety of worshippers and pilgrims, and to prevent any congestion that might hinder the performance of rituals with ease and convenience.
Regarding digital transformation and smart services, the meeting reviewed a package of development initiatives aimed at enriching the visitor experience. These include providing digital maps and interactive screens in multiple languages to guide pilgrims, as well as upgrading baggage storage facilities. These steps are part of a comprehensive strategy to transform the Grand Mosque into a smart environment that facilitates movement and reduces the effort and time required for pilgrims.
Regarding the healthcare system, the committee reviewed medical preparations to ensure the safety of visitors. This included assessing the readiness of health centers within the Holy Mosque and the central area, referral hospitals, field ambulance teams, and helipads for medical evacuations. These measures aim to guarantee a rapid response to any emergencies and the provision of high-quality medical care during peak times in the holy month.
The committee concluded its meeting by discussing early preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, stressing that the successful management of the Ramadan season is a fundamental pillar for preparing for the Hajj season, reflecting the Kingdom’s leading role and its Islamic standing in caring for the holy sites and providing security and safety for those who visit them.
