The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great importance on serving pilgrims, as the Hajj season is one of the largest human gatherings and logistical operations in the world. Historically, the Hajj journey has witnessed tremendous development. Whereas in the past, pilgrim caravans traversed deserts for months, today the Kingdom relies on the latest technologies and advanced infrastructure to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims. In this context, Abdulaziz bin Ayed Al-Otaibi, the official spokesperson for the transport and logistics system, affirmed that the system has dedicated all its operational and technical capabilities to serving pilgrims during the current Hajj season. The system operates with complete integration, comprising 11 entities under the direct supervision of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, and is supported by the National Center for Transport Safety to enhance safety standards across all modes of transport.
Strategic importance and global impact
The significance of this annual event lies in its profound impact at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, the success of the Hajj transportation plan reflects the efficiency and continuous development of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and improve quality of life. Regionally and internationally, this success presents a global model for managing massive crowds and ensuring their smooth movement, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for providing advanced logistical services to millions of Muslims from around the world.
More than 100 integrated operational plans
Al-Otaibi explained that more than 100 integrated operational plans were prepared to serve pilgrims, achieving a 100% compliance rate according to the evaluation of the Guests of God Service Program. To ensure the efficient implementation of these plans, more than 46,000 specialized personnel were allocated to provide services across various transportation sectors. In the air transport sector, more than 3 million seats were made available for arrivals and departures through more than 12,000 scheduled and charter flights, connecting the Kingdom to more than 300 global destinations via more than 100 airlines, and through six airports dedicated to receiving pilgrims.
Drones to deliver medicine for the first time
In a pioneering and innovative step reflecting technological advancements, the first operational permit for drones to deliver medicines and medical supplies within the holy sites was issued in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. This initiative is the first of its kind to support health and logistical services and ensure rapid response to emergencies during the Hajj season.
Readiness of land transport and field monitoring
In terms of land transportation, 33,000 buses meeting the highest safety and quality standards were deployed to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. In addition, more than 5,000 taxis and over 140 intercity buses were provided across 32 routes. Eleven designated points were also established to transport pilgrims from the holy sites to the Grand Mosque in just 15 minutes. To ensure service quality, the Public Transport Authority conducted over 390,000 field inspections at 50 key locations, resulting in the detection of more than 87,000 violations. These efforts also included surveying and maintaining over 3,500 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites using the latest technologies.
Haramain High-Speed Railway and Al-Mashaaer High-Speed Railway
The Haramain High-Speed Railway has increased its capacity by 11% during this year's Hajj season, and is expected to transport more than 2.2 million pilgrims. Trains arrive at or depart from Makkah station every half hour during peak times. The Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro is expected to transport more than two million pilgrims, with the departure time from Mina to Arafat moved to 6:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM to enhance the safety and smooth flow of pilgrims.
Logistics initiatives and modern technologies
On the logistical front, over 1.2 million tons of goods and more than 2.6 million head of livestock were shipped. The "Hajj Without Luggage" service was also activated as a standard service for pilgrims arriving from abroad, with their luggage being delivered directly to their accommodations. 470,000 bags belonging to 380,000 pilgrims were delivered as part of the "Makkah Route" initiative. In the area of innovation, road cooling technology was expanded to three new areas around the Al-Mashaaer Train, covering an area exceeding 14,000 square meters, and a pilot program for self-driving buses was launched in the courtyards of Quba Mosque in Madinah, underscoring the system's commitment to providing the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims.
