In numbers: The readiness of the holy sites for the Hajj season and environmental plans
Historical context and commitment to serving the guests of God
Since its unification, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently prioritized serving the pilgrims, as the Hajj season is one of the world's largest annual human gatherings. Historically, providing water to pilgrims in Mecca and the Holy Sites has been a significant challenge, from ancient projects like the Ain Zubaydah spring to modern-day desalination plants and smart water networks. Today, these monumental efforts are aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the Hajj and Umrah experience and provide a healthy and safe environment. The Kingdom's success in managing this exceptional event reflects its outstanding capabilities, both locally, regionally, and internationally, in crowd management and providing sustainable infrastructure, further solidifying its leading and distinguished position in the Islamic world.
The holy sites are fully prepared
In line with this commitment, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saleh bin Dakhil, confirmed during a press briefing in Mecca that the environment, water and agriculture system is fully prepared to serve pilgrims during this year's Hajj season. He explained that the system has mobilized all its human and technological resources through more than 5,000 qualified personnel, working according to integrated operational and proactive plans to ensure the provision of high-quality and efficient services.
Record numbers in water supplies
To ensure a secure water supply during peak season, the Saudi Water Authority increased production capacity to a record high of over 3.8 million cubic meters per day, an 18% increase compared to last year. Transmission capacity was also boosted to 2.3 million cubic meters per day, a 32% increase. To further enhance water security, storage capacity rose to over 8.8 million cubic meters (a 49% increase), while distribution capacity increased by 10% to reach more than 1.3 million cubic meters per day.
Operational integration and mega networks
In a pioneering regulatory step, the Ministry implemented, for the first time, a standardized operational code that serves as a unified reference for 18 entities involved in water services. The National Water Company completed its preparations through a vast water network exceeding 5,700 kilometers in length, conducting over 4,000 laboratory tests daily to ensure water quality and safety, in addition to finalizing integrated planning for water supply chains for more than 4,100 facilities within the holy sites.
Environmental monitoring and meteorology
On the weather front, the National Center for Meteorology has completed its preparations, operating 92 monitoring units and technologies covering the holy sites and entry points. The center forecasts temperatures ranging from a high of 44 degrees Celsius to a low of 29 degrees Celsius, urging pilgrims to adhere to preventive guidelines. Simultaneously, the National Center for Environmental Compliance is utilizing cutting-edge technologies, such as satellites and drones, to respond immediately to any environmental challenges.
Animal health, waste management, and food security
To ensure public health, the Weqaa Center and the National Agricultural Services Company have cleared more than two million head of livestock and treated 6,000 tons of liquid waste in accordance with biosecurity requirements. In the area of sustainability, the Mawan Center has adopted plans to transport 10,000 tons of waste and recycle 25,000 cubic meters of it. The General Authority for Food Security also ensures the stability of food supplies through strategic and reserve stocks in the Makkah and Madinah regions.
The official spokesman concluded his statement by praying that God accept the pilgrims’ rituals and that He perpetuate the Kingdom’s honor and responsibility of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, stressing that these efforts are an extension of the wise leadership’s message of caring for the guests of God.
