The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed its continued efforts to ensure the provision of the best possible services to pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1447 AH. These efforts are part of comprehensive operational and field plans implemented by the Holy Capital Municipality, supported by an advanced municipal system that includes the unified 940 reporting center and modern digital channels. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to enhance the quality of municipal services provided to pilgrims in Makkah and the Holy Sites, thus guaranteeing them a safe and comfortable Hajj experience.
Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to the Holy Land annually. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always prioritized serving pilgrims, drawing inspiration from its status as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Throughout history, these services have evolved from individual efforts into a comprehensive and modern system designed to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and provide them with every comfort and safety. These efforts align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places serving the guests of God at the heart of its priorities and seeks to transform the Hajj experience into an unforgettable spiritual journey, free from any logistical or service-related obstacles.
In this context, the Ministry explained that the unified call center 940, which operates around the clock, handled more than 770 service-related reports during the period from the 4th to the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. This period witnesses the peak of the influx of pilgrims and their movement between the holy sites, with a significant increase in population density and traffic in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the central area of Makkah. Handling this large number of reports under these circumstances reflects the high level of preparedness of the field teams and the efficiency of the continuous, uninterrupted operational processes.
The reports received focused primarily on public hygiene, environmental sanitation, and field services related to public facilities. These vital aspects include waste collection, road and lighting maintenance, water and sanitation provision, and ensuring the safety of public buildings. Specialized teams have initiated remediation and follow-up work within operational and proactive plans specifically designed to address the challenges of the Hajj season. These plans aim to preserve the quality of the urban environment and enhance the efficiency of municipal services provided to pilgrims, ensuring a healthy and clean environment befitting the sanctity of the place and time.
The Ministry also confirmed that field teams handled public health and safety reports with immediate and urgent procedures. These teams achieved a 100% immediate response rate to critical reports, demonstrating rapid response and effective handling of high-priority cases. This efficiency in managing health and environmental emergencies ensures the safety of pilgrims and prevents the spread of diseases, thus enhancing the pilgrims' confidence in the services provided to them.
The unified communication system, represented by the 940 call center, stands out as a vital element in these efforts. The center received 236 incoming calls in multiple languages, facilitating communication for pilgrims of diverse nationalities and cultures, enabling them to submit their feedback and inquiries. This system allows for round-the-clock reporting, significantly contributing to pilgrims' access to municipal services and enhancing the overall service experience in Makkah and the Holy Sites. Providing multilingual communication channels reflects the Kingdom's commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
The paramount importance of these municipal services extends beyond logistics to encompass health and spiritual dimensions. A clean and safe Hajj environment directly contributes to the comfort of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with devotion and tranquility. Locally, these efforts enhance the efficiency and integration of government agencies. Regionally and internationally, these measures reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to its leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and underscore its ability to manage the largest human gatherings with high efficiency, thus strengthening its global standing and reputation. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing affirms its continued monitoring and field evaluation efforts, in close coordination with all relevant entities, to ensure the maintenance of the highest standards of municipal service quality and to provide a safe and healthy environment for the pilgrims throughout the Hajj season, year after year.
