The efforts of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs during the Hajj season: caring for lost pilgrims and safeguarding luggage
The Hajj season is one of the most important annual religious events anticipated by the Muslim world, as millions of Muslims turn their attention to Mecca to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. In this context, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its exceptional and intensive efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims. These efforts are manifested through the launch of a comprehensive field system aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' journey and enriching their spiritual experience in an atmosphere of security and tranquility, in line with this year's Hajj season.
Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, making the care of pilgrims a top priority. With the increasing number of pilgrims each year, operational mechanisms have evolved, moving from traditional methods to employing the latest global technologies. The significance of this event is evident both regionally and internationally in presenting a distinguished image of Saudi Arabia's organization and management of millions of pilgrims, which positively impacts the comfort of pilgrims coming from all corners of the earth, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and convenience.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques explained that it has established 21 specialized centers, divided into two main centers and 19 branch centers, carefully distributed within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards. These centers operate around the clock, without interruption, within a unified operational system that provides a diverse range of humanitarian, guidance, and logistical services. These services include spatial and awareness guidance to assist pilgrims in moving smoothly within the Two Holy Mosques and to guide them in performing the rituals correctly according to Islamic law. Humanitarian and communication support is also provided by answering pilgrims' inquiries in several major international languages, thus helping to break down language barriers and facilitate communication.
The authority added that these centers perform vital tasks, including managing lost and found items through rapid and organized technical procedures that ensure the easy tracking, safekeeping, and return of lost items to their owners. Furthermore, services have been specifically designed to support the elderly and people with disabilities, facilitating their physical mobility and ensuring they can fully benefit from all available field services.
Exceptional care for lost persons and luggage storage
The authority emphasized the utmost care and attention given to lost children and women, especially during peak times and periods of extreme crowding. They are received and cared for in well-equipped and comfortable facilities, under organized and secure security procedures, until their families are contacted and they are officially handed over. This humanitarian measure enhances the sense of security and psychological well-being of pilgrims within the holiest of places.
To enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in main corridors and prayer areas, the project introduced an advanced luggage storage service for pilgrims. In addition, modern digital communication channels were activated to facilitate quick and efficient access to services. The authority provided geographical access to the locations of pilgrim care centers via QR codes. This technology enables pilgrims to locate the nearest service center using their smartphones and reach it within seconds.
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques confirmed the readiness of these centers and their employees to operate at full capacity during the Hajj season, in support of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of the pilgrims and raise the quality of services provided to them through advanced and institutional service models that ensure the safety and comfort of all.
