Jeddah Municipality prepares for Hajj by preparing the Miqat of Yalamlam and Al-Juhfah
As part of the integrated preparations for the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the Jeddah Governorate Secretariat announced the allocation of a comprehensive operational plan to prepare the spatial locations that fall within its administrative scope, specifically the “Yalamlam” and “Al-Juhfah” locations, which are considered two main gateways to receive the pilgrims of the Sacred House of God coming from different directions.
The Secretariat, represented by the municipalities of Al-Lith and Rabigh governorates, announced the deployment of a team of 47 personnel from various specialties, supported by 20 pieces of modern equipment and machinery. This team aims to carry out preparation, maintenance, and cleaning work around the clock to ensure a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment for pilgrims from the moment they arrive at the designated points for entering the state of Ihram and begin their spiritual journey.
The historical and religious significance of the Yalamlam and Al-Juhfah miqats
These preparations are of particular importance given the religious and historical significance of these two designated points. The Yalamlam point, located south of Mecca, is the legally designated point for the people of Yemen and all those coming from that direction. The Al-Juhfah point, near Rabigh north of Jeddah, is the designated point for the people of Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and those passing through their territory. These points are pivotal locations in the Hajj journey, as it is at these points that the pilgrim must enter into the state of Ihram and begin reciting the Talbiyah, making their readiness and the services provided at these points a vital element of the pilgrim's experience.
A comprehensive operational plan for the comfort of pilgrims
The operational plan developed by the Jeddah Municipality includes several key components. The first component focuses on “public hygiene and environmental sanitation,” which involves daily sweeping and cleaning of the areas surrounding the two Miqats (designated points for pilgrims to enter the state of Ihram), including mosques, public facilities, and restrooms. The plan also includes ongoing spraying and pest control to combat seasonal insects and pests, such as mosquitoes and flies, to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a healthy environment. Emphasis is also placed on monitoring the quality and cleanliness of rest stops and service stations located on the international highways leading to the two Miqats.
The second focus is on health and commercial oversight, with supervisory activities extending to 19 commercial establishments in the vicinity of the Yalamlam Miqat and 10 gas stations with their prayer areas, which are subject to 25 inspection visits per week. Within the Al-Juhfah Miqat area, oversight includes 10 commercial establishments, with direct supervision of the pilgrims' hospitality hall. These inspection tours aim to ensure the safety of food products offered, compliance with health regulations, and the prevention of any practices that could harm the health and safety of pilgrims.
Impact of efforts at the national and international levels
These municipal efforts are part of a comprehensive national system led by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the pilgrims, and are aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience. Providing high-quality municipal services at the designated times not only enhances the comfort and safety of pilgrims but also reflects the Kingdom's civilized image and its ability to efficiently and effectively manage one of the world's largest human gatherings. Internationally, these preparations reassure millions of Muslims worldwide that their journey to the Holy Land will be accompanied by care and attention from the very beginning.
