The success of the 1445 Hajj plan: Municipalities ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, represented by the Holy Capital Municipality, announced the success of its integrated operational plan for the 1445 AH Hajj season. This ambitious plan was implemented through a comprehensive field system that operated around the clock to serve the pilgrims in Makkah and the Holy Sites, supported by a workforce exceeding 22,000 personnel and more than 3,000 modern vehicles and equipment to ensure the provision of the highest quality municipal services.
Historical context and ongoing efforts in serving pilgrims
Managing and organizing the Hajj is a monumental historical responsibility undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the Hajj season represents the largest annual human gathering in the world. Over the decades, the Kingdom has developed a comprehensive service system, investing in massive infrastructure and ongoing development projects in the Holy Sites to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs' annual operational plan culminates these efforts, focusing on vital aspects such as public hygiene, environmental sanitation, and health monitoring—essential pillars for the season's success and for preventing any incidents that might affect the pilgrims' spiritual experience.
Digital achievements in hygiene and environmental sanitation
The Ministry's official spokesperson, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rasasmeh, explained that the field efforts in the area of sanitation have yielded impressive results. More than 250,000 tons of waste have been removed in the Makkah region since mid-Dhu al-Qi'dah, with a daily average exceeding 6,000 tons. In the Holy Sites, which experience a massive influx of people over a few days, more than 16,000 tons of waste have been removed. These operations were supported by an operational system comprising more than 88,000 sanitation units, including containers and ground compactor storage facilities, to ensure the immediate and effective handling of waste and maintain the cleanliness of the Holy Sites.
Health control and food safety: a top priority
As part of the commitment to the health and safety of pilgrims, specialized teams intensified their inspection tours of food establishments and catering kitchens. Al-Rasasma noted that more than 3,000 inspection visits were conducted in Mecca and the holy sites, during which over 5,000 food samples were tested in field and fixed laboratories to ensure compliance with health standards. Thanks to these rigorous preventative measures, no cases of food poisoning were recorded during the Hajj season, reflecting the high level of accuracy and professionalism in implementing food safety standards.
Positive impact and importance of success
The success of the Hajj season's operational plans not only ensures a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims but also reinforces the Kingdom's regional and international standing as a leading nation in managing large crowds and gatherings. This success also contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience. The season witnessed the active participation of over 12,000 volunteers who contributed to supporting field and organizational services, reflecting the spirit of community solidarity in serving the guests of God.
