Kidana prepares 3.5 million square meters to house pilgrims in the holy sites
Kadana Development and Investment Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, announced details of its integrated operational plan for the 1447 AH Hajj season, representing a qualitative leap in the management and development of infrastructure and services provided to pilgrims. The plan aims to achieve unprecedented technological and technical integration to ensure the provision of the best services through the efficient and proactive management of more than 170,000 assets in the Holy Sites.
Historical background and importance of serving pilgrims
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that draws millions of Muslims to Mecca annually. Throughout history, successive Saudi Arabian governments have prioritized the development of the holy sites and the facilitation of the pilgrims' journey. Today, the efforts of the Kadana Company build upon this historical legacy, but with a modern vision aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the "Serving the Guests of God" program, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims and provide advanced infrastructure that ensures their safety and comfort.
Massive housing and infrastructure projects
Kadana revealed the readiness of the housing sector, which spans a vast area exceeding 3.5 million square meters. This immense area includes more than 45,000 fully equipped tents, supported by 46 central kitchens to provide catering services. Preparations were not limited to housing alone, but also included vital infrastructure, most notably the Jamarat facility, a pivotal point in the Hajj rituals. The facility has been equipped with 340 escalators and 682 advanced surveillance cameras to ensure the smooth flow of crowds and provide the highest safety standards during the stoning ritual.
Essential services and innovative cooling systems
As part of its commitment to providing essential and environmental services, the company has dedicated a large workforce of over 2,500 cleaning and supervisory personnel to service 3,400 restroom facilities, with continuous sanitization of 520 water tanks to ensure public health. To address the challenges of the hot weather, Kadana has enhanced its water and cooling system by installing over 6,000 misting columns operating across five stations with a production capacity of up to 1,500 cubic meters per hour. This contributes to lowering temperatures and providing a comfortable environment for pilgrims in the courtyards and walkways.
Expected impact and importance of the project
The significance of these mega-projects extends far beyond their direct service provision, sending a powerful message about the Kingdom's ability to efficiently and effectively manage one of the world's largest human gatherings. Domestically, these projects stimulate the economy and create thousands of seasonal jobs. Regionally and internationally, they reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, setting a global example in crowd management and the application of technology to serve humanitarian and religious objectives, thus ensuring a safe and seamless Hajj experience for millions of Muslims from around the globe.
Proactive preparations to ensure quality
To ensure a rapid response to any potential technical malfunctions, KADANA established 195 field maintenance centers staffed by over 3,000 specialized technicians. These teams have already begun executing more than 3,700 pre-programmed work orders as part of preventative maintenance. These preparations culminate a series of intensive field tests, including 240 training scenarios and 270 operational scenarios, aimed at guaranteeing the highest standards of quality and safety during actual operations in the Holy Sites.
