Introduction: Exceptional preparations for the Hajj season
As part of its ongoing preparations to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a comprehensive set of instructions and regulations for the 1445 AH Hajj season. These meticulous measures aim to enhance crowd management and facilitate the movement of millions of pilgrims between the holy sites, with a particular focus on transportation and group movement to guarantee a safe and organized Hajj experience.
Historical context and the importance of crowd management in Hajj
Managing crowds during the Hajj season is one of the world's greatest logistical challenges. Over the decades, the Kingdom has faced increasing challenges with the rising number of pilgrims, prompting it to invest billions of riyals in developing the infrastructure of the holy sites. These mega-projects have included the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the circumambulation area, the construction of the multi-level Jamarat Bridge, and the launch of the Holy Sites Metro and the Haramain High-Speed Railway. These new regulations complement these efforts, drawing on past lessons and modern technologies to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth traffic flow during peak times.
New grouping mechanism: 188 pilgrims per group
The Ministry explained that the success of the transportation and crowd management plans depends on strict adherence to the specified timelines, especially given the large number of pilgrims and the limited space in the holy sites. In this context, the new instructions outline a precise mechanism for dividing pilgrims, with each "group" consisting of 188 pilgrims, and each "community" comprising five groups, totaling 940 pilgrims. A specialized supervisor is assigned to each group to oversee the movement of the groups both on the ground and electronically, and to address any operational deviations immediately to ensure adherence to the routes and schedules.
Operational controls and specific violations
The instructions revealed a clear list of operational violations to ensure strict adherence to the plans. For example, transporting pilgrims from Mecca to Jeddah more than nine hours before their scheduled departure time is considered a violation, as is transporting them less than six hours before their departure. Furthermore, transporting pilgrims from Mecca to Medina between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM is prohibited to avoid fatigue and ensure road safety. The Ministry emphasized that any delay in transporting pilgrims to and from the Haramain High-Speed Railway station exceeding one hour will be considered an operational violation and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Expected impact and importance of the measures
These measures are expected to bring about a qualitative leap in the management of the Hajj season. Domestically, these regulations enhance the Kingdom's ability to organize the pilgrimage efficiently and safely, and reaffirm its leadership in managing massive gatherings. Internationally, they send a reassuring message to Islamic countries and the world at large regarding the safety of their pilgrims, and reflect the Kingdom's commitment to dedicating all its resources to serving the guests of God. Furthermore, requiring service providers to employ staff with at least five years of experience, provide guides on buses, and link transportation systems to approved electronic platforms ensures the application of the highest standards of quality and safety throughout the Hajj journey.
Key instructions for service companies
The ministry has mandated a set of requirements for Hajj affairs offices and service providers, most notably:
- Keeping 50% of the total number of pilgrims in Mina until the thirteenth day of Dhul-Hijjah to reduce pressure on the Jamarat facility and the Grand Mosque.
- Full adherence to the designated timetables for throwing pebbles and using the Al-Mashaaer train.
- Pilgrims will be divided into two periods (morning and evening) with 50% allocated to each period when being transported from their residences to the Grand Mosque, in order to reduce overcrowding.
- The arrival circumambulation must be completed within a period not exceeding 8 hours from the arrival of the pilgrims to their residences in Mecca.
