As part of its ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims and provide them with the utmost comfort and peace of mind, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the Kadana Development and Investment Company, announced the launch of a new phase of its humanization and development projects in the Holy Sites. This step comes as part of the early preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season and aims to develop a total area exceeding 51,000 square meters, reflecting a firm commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience and making it more accessible and safe.
General context: A history of care and development
Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given utmost attention to the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites, recognizing its immense responsibility towards Muslims worldwide. Over the decades, the Holy Sites have witnessed massive development projects, from the expansions of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the construction of the multi-level Jamarat Bridge to the Al-Mashaaer Metro and modern road and tunnel networks. These historic projects aim to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims annually, ensure their safety, and facilitate their movement between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
Details of new projects for the 1447 AH season
Kadanah, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, explained that the new projects focus on improving infrastructure and "humanizing" public spaces. The announced projects include the following:
- King Abdulaziz Road Axis Development: Rehabilitating and developing an area of approximately 850 square meters on this vital axis, to facilitate pedestrian movement and provide comfortable spaces.
- Humanizing the pilgrim accommodation areas in Muzdalifah: A massive redevelopment and improvement project covering over 50,900 square meters in the Muzdalifah pilgrim accommodation areas. This project aims to address the high density of pilgrims during the periods of Ifadah and Muzdalifah.
The development works include the installation of pedestrian-friendly flooring, the provision of advanced shading elements and cooling systems to mitigate the heat, as well as the creation of comfortable seating areas and integrated service facilities. These improvements directly contribute to reducing physical strain on pilgrims and enhancing the quality of their experience during the Hajj rituals.
Importance and expected impact within Vision 2030
These projects are of paramount strategic importance as they align with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the “Serving the Guests of God” program. Domestically, these projects enhance the operational efficiency of Hajj management and elevate the level of services provided. Regionally and internationally, they solidify the Kingdom’s position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscore its pioneering role in serving pilgrims. Enriching the pilgrim’s religious experience extends beyond the spiritual aspect to encompass every detail of their journey, from arrival to departure. This is precisely what these projects aim to achieve, ensuring that the Hajj remains a cherished and spiritually enriching experience for every pilgrim.
