Jeddah Municipality's efforts during the 1447 AH Hajj season: 1084 inspection tours
Introduction: Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, and Hajj preparations
Historically and geographically, Jeddah serves as the main gateway for pilgrims arriving from all corners of the earth to perform Hajj and Umrah. With the commencement of the 1447 AH Hajj season, all government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are working together to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims. In this context, the efforts of the Jeddah Municipality stand out as a cornerstone in ensuring the safety and health of pilgrims and visitors, as it intensifies field monitoring of all facilities serving pilgrims before their arrival at the holy sites in Mecca.
Details of the inspection tours of the Jeddah Governorate Municipality
The Jeddah Municipality revealed the extent of its intensive monitoring efforts to ensure compliance by commercial, food, and health establishments, as part of its comprehensive operational plan approved for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This plan primarily aims to raise the level of compliance with municipal regulations and requirements, and to protect the public health of pilgrims, as well as residents and visitors of Jeddah.
The Secretariat stated in its official report that it conducted a total of 1,084 field inspection tours between the 1st and 6th of Dhul-Hijjah. These tours covered 11 sub-municipalities under the Secretariat's jurisdiction, with a particular focus on vital facilities located on highways and main roads leading to Makkah and the Holy Sites. Targeted locations included gas stations, commercial centers and markets, various types of food establishments, and barbershops, to ensure the provision of safe and high-quality services.
Importance and expected impact (locally, regionally and internationally)
These strict control measures have dimensions and effects that extend beyond the local scope:
- On the local level: These tours contribute to raising awareness among business owners about the importance of adhering to health requirements, which positively impacts the quality of life for the residents of Jeddah and protects consumers from any potential health risks.
- At the regional and international levels, these meticulous organizational efforts reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's distinguished image in managing massive crowds and ensuring food and healthcare for millions of people simultaneously. The success of the Hajj season, free from epidemics or food poisoning, reinforces the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's capabilities and guarantees the safe return of pilgrims to their countries, which is one of the key objectives of the Guests of God Service Program within Saudi Vision 2030.
Improving services and community engagement
The Jeddah Municipality explained that its inspection teams, under the close supervision of the General Directorate of Municipal Services and Compliance, are continuing their daily inspection tours to ensure strict adherence to regulations and instructions. The Municipality emphasized that it will not hesitate to take all necessary legal and regulatory measures against violating establishments, thereby enhancing public safety and health during this exceptional season.
In its efforts to strengthen community partnerships, the Municipality called upon all residents, visitors, and pilgrims to actively contribute to improving the quality of services provided. It urged everyone to report any municipal or health violations they may observe by using the unified government application “Baladi” or by directly contacting the unified municipal reporting center at the toll-free number (940). This call stems from the Municipality’s belief that citizens and residents are the primary partners in development and in preserving national achievements.
