As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the Makkah region announced the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring plan during this year's Hajj season. More than 15,504 inspection tours were conducted in Makkah and the Holy Sites. These tours targeted markets, slaughterhouses, and food establishments to ensure adherence to the highest health and safety standards, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world.
These intensive measures are part of a comprehensive system of services provided by Saudi Arabia to manage the Hajj, one of the world's largest annual human gatherings. These efforts are based on a long history of organizing Hajj affairs, with the Kingdom continuously developing its infrastructure, logistics, and healthcare services to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims each year. Ensuring the safety of food, water, and the environment for pilgrims is a top priority, given its direct impact on public health and the overall success of the Hajj season.
Details of the inspection tours in Mecca and their impact
Thorough inspection campaigns resulted in the detection of 462 violations of health and regulatory standards, and the necessary measures were taken. Regarding meat safety, which is an essential part of the Hajj and Udhiyah rituals, a total of 90,825 head of livestock were slaughtered in approved abattoirs. Thorough veterinary inspection resulted in the partial condemnation of 8,492 animals and the complete condemnation of 1,125 animals deemed unfit for human consumption. This is a crucial preventative measure to protect consumer health and prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, 232 healthy carcasses were donated to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need.
Beyond Censorship: Sustainability and Volunteer Work
The efforts were not limited to oversight alone, but extended to promoting the principles of sustainability and food preservation. Intensive field visits included the central Al-Kaakiyah market, resulting in the delivery of over 7,618 kilograms of edible fruits and vegetables to charitable organizations, aiming to utilize surplus food. In parallel, the season witnessed a remarkable surge in volunteer work, with 327 volunteer opportunities organized, involving 1,161 volunteers across 10 specialized associations. Through these volunteers, they provided 1,585 meals and distributed over 305,191 bottles of water, embodying the values of solidarity and generosity that characterize Saudi society in serving the pilgrims.
The Support Services Department supported these field operations with an integrated operational system that included 26 field teams and 341 male and female employees, in addition to operating 57 vehicles and machinery, and issuing 443 permits for individuals, which contributed to enhancing the efficiency of field performance and the speed of response to operational requirements in various work sites in the Holy Sites.
