The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is preparing 22,000 personnel to serve the pilgrims
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced its full operational readiness for the Hajj season, having provided a comprehensive service and field system in the holy sites. These extensive preparations are supported by more than 22,000 field personnel working around the clock to serve pilgrims, at a rate of one personnel for every 76 pilgrims. This exceptional effort aims to enhance the quality of services provided to the pilgrims, improve rapid response capabilities, and ensure rigorous health and environmental monitoring throughout the season.
Historical context and interest in serving the guests of God
Historically, since its unification, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given great attention and special care to serving pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. Managing millions of pilgrims within a limited geographical area and a short timeframe is one of the greatest logistical challenges in the world. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, this commitment has been institutionalized through the “Guests of God Service Program,” which aims to transform the Hajj and Umrah experience, facilitate the hosting of more pilgrims, and provide them with the highest quality services. The current efforts of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing are an extension of this historical legacy and modern strategic direction.
Infrastructure development and environmental sanitation in the holy sites
The ministry explained that the total area of infrastructure it oversees in the holy sites exceeds 4.6 million square meters. This includes advanced road networks, lighting systems, bridges, tunnels, and stormwater drainage networks. To ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate the movement of pilgrims between different locations, 20 bridges and 18 tunnels have been constructed.
Regarding hygiene and environmental sanitation, the Ministry activated more than 88,000 cleaning units, supported by 3,000 field vehicles and equipment. Additionally, 1,235 waste compactors and 113 underground storage facilities were provided to support operational processes, enhancing waste management efficiency and maintaining a safe and healthy environment within the Holy Sites throughout the Hajj season.
Health and food safety controls to ensure the safety of pilgrims
As part of its commitment to health and food safety oversight, the Ministry has established 66 service centers, in addition to five advanced laboratories, to conduct daily tests and analyses. Inspection teams carry out more than 2,800 field visits daily, during which approximately 1,300 laboratory samples are analyzed. These rigorous and intensive measures build upon the remarkable success achieved last season, which recorded zero confirmed cases of food poisoning, reflecting the efficiency of the oversight system and the effectiveness of proactive plans.
Reporting system and rapid field response
In terms of interaction with beneficiaries, operational teams receive and process approximately 30,000 reports through the “Baladi” platform and its associated channels. The system achieved a record average response time of just 1 minute and 13 seconds, a strong indicator of its efficiency and speed in handling field cases and observations. Two shelter and emergency centers were also established as part of the comprehensive season preparedness plans.
The importance and expected impact of Hajj service efforts
These tremendous efforts have a wide-ranging positive impact. Locally, they contribute to creating seasonal job opportunities and stimulating economic and organizational activity. Regionally and internationally, these preparations reflect the Kingdom's bright image and its exceptional ability to manage crises and crowds effectively and efficiently, thus reassuring millions of Muslims worldwide. The Ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing that these initiatives are part of a comprehensive system of municipal and operational services aimed at enhancing the Hajj experience and achieving the highest standards of safety, health, and quality of life in the Holy Sites.
