Jeddah Municipality: Preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season are complete to serve pilgrims
Jeddah Municipality puts the final touches on its operational plan for the Hajj season
The Jeddah Municipality announced the completion of all its operational and field preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season, within a comprehensive system overseen by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. These efforts reflect the ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality services to pilgrims and ensuring their safety and comfort from the moment they arrive at the Two Holy Mosques until their departure.
The comprehensive plan developed by the Secretariat aims to enhance public health and safety standards and improve the efficiency of field response at various vital locations that experience high traffic during the Hajj season. This includes main roads, pilgrim accommodation areas, shopping centers, and restaurants, to ensure a safe and convenient Hajj experience for all pilgrims, residents, and visitors of the province.
Historical context and importance of Jeddah in the Hajj journey
The preparations undertaken by the Jeddah Municipality are of particular importance given the city's historical and strategic significance. Since the dawn of Islam, Jeddah has been the primary port for receiving pilgrims arriving by sea for Hajj, and with modern development, it has become a major air gateway through King Abdulaziz International Airport. This pivotal role as the first stop for pilgrims on their spiritual journey places a tremendous responsibility on Jeddah's service providers to present a positive image of Saudi Arabian hospitality and excellent organization.
The Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, is the world's largest annual religious gathering, drawing millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe. Managing this massive global event requires high-level coordination across all sectors of the state to ensure the smooth flow of movement and the provision of health, logistical, and security services.
Plan focuses on: comprehensive health and hygiene control
The Secretariat explained that its plan is based on several key pillars, taking into account the locations affected by the increased number of pilgrims and their routes to the holy sites. These pillars include intensifying health inspection tours of food establishments, such as kitchens, restaurants, and commercial markets, as well as hotels and furnished apartments, with the aim of increasing compliance with health requirements and improving the quality of services provided.
The plan also includes a focus on cleaning and environmental sanitation at pilgrim transit points and gathering points, as well as preparing the areas surrounding the Miqat sites of Yalamlam and Al-Juhfah, located within the municipalities of Al-Lith and Rabigh. Efforts extend to preparing Eid prayer areas, monitoring slaughterhouses and public markets, and maintaining facilities, waterfronts, and public parks that serve as recreational spaces for visitors and residents during the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Local and international impact of preparations
The impact of these preparations extends beyond the local level to encompass the national and international spheres. Nationally, the successful management of the Hajj season reflects the Kingdom's ability to organize and manage the largest human gatherings, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience. Internationally, providing a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims from around the world reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscores its commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
The Secretariat has strengthened its field readiness through joint action plans between the relevant departments and sub-municipalities, stressing the continuity of receiving and processing reports around the clock through the “Baladi” application or by calling the unified number 940, which ensures a rapid response and raises the efficiency of performance in all locations.
