We aim to exceed 91% pilgrim satisfaction... Deputy Minister of Hajj reveals Hajj season plans to Al-Youm - Urgent

In a move reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing preparedness Hajj seasonHis Excellency the Deputy Minister inaugurated Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, one of the campaigns Domestic pilgrimsWithin an integrated framework to test the readiness of Hajj services, under the slogan “Here I am, guests of the Most Merciful,” and with the participation of a number of officials and those interested in the Hajj sector and supporting services.
Dr. Mashat emphasized in his statements that these field scenarios are part of an integrated system aimed at raising the efficiency of operational performance and improving the quality of services provided to the guests of God, stressing that early readiness for the Hajj season represents a fundamental pillar to ensure a safe and organized experience according to the highest standards.

Hajj season

He explained that one of the most prominent initiatives the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is working on is empowering the private sector to be a key partner in providing innovative and creative services to pilgrims. He noted that the Ministry has provided the necessary technological infrastructure to support this approach through a package of digital solutions, including the “Nusk” card, in addition to deploying smart sensors in the camps, which contribute to improving crowd management and increasing the efficiency of operational processes.
He pointed out that the focus during this year’s Hajj season will be heavily on the precise movement of pilgrims, by organizing their movement between the holy sites according to specific timetables for entering and exiting the camps, thus enhancing flow and reducing congestion. He emphasized that these plans are subject to rigorous testing through simulations that mimic real-world scenarios.
He added that the Ministry has raised expectations regarding the quality of pilgrim accommodation in Mina and Arafat compared to previous seasons, noting that the Hajj system achieved a 91% satisfaction rate among pilgrims last year, which is a positive indicator, but at the same time, it serves as an incentive for further development.

Crowd management plans

Dr. Mashat explained that the real challenge facing the system is maintaining and even exceeding this percentage through continuous service improvement and greater integration among relevant entities. He emphasized that pilgrims deserve the highest levels of service, given the comprehensive support and empowerment provided by the Saudi Arabian government to all sectors involved in Hajj.
The exercise involved a realistic simulation of various operational and field processes, including crowd management, accommodation, transportation, and logistics, to test the efficiency of operational systems on the ground, measure response times, and enhance coordination among working teams, thus strengthening the system's readiness before the actual Hajj season begins.
These efforts reflect the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's commitment to continuously improving the Hajj experience by adopting the latest technological solutions and strengthening partnerships with the private sector, in line with the wise leadership's aspirations to provide the best possible services to pilgrims.