Hajj Permanent Committee meeting reviews progress rates of development projects at holy sites
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — The first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal, reviewed the progress of development projects currently being implemented at the holy sites. The meeting was held in line with the directive of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
The committee reviewed the authorities' plans and preparations for the Hajj of 2025 and the progress rates of the ongoing projects, which will be operational during this year's Hajj.
Addressing the meeting, Prince Saud bin Mishaal stressed the need to implement the leadership's directives, which always emphasize the importance of early preparation for the Hajj season and the integration of efforts across all sectors to provide the necessary services to the guests of God, in a way ensuring their highest levels of comfort.
The meeting discussed the latest developments related to the full readiness of the operational plans of the relevant authorities to be implemented during the upcoming Hajj. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the development projects currently being implemented in the holy sites, most notably the restoration of the mosques in Mina and in Arafat, and the Kidana Company projects, including shading pedestrian paths in Mina over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters, shading and cooling paths in Arafat over an area of 60,000 square meters, installing canopies equipped with cooling mist fans in the Jabal al-Rahmah area over an area of approximately 785 square meters to reduce the impact of direct sunlight and moderate the climate, and a project to mitigate the impact of heat stress in the Namirah Mosque over an area of 85,000 square meters.
The committee reviewed the afforestation and vegetation projects in the holy sites, which aim to plant 10,000 trees to improve air quality and help lower temperatures and reduce their impact on the guests of God, as well as the project to establish and develop 400 water coolers designated for drinking, and the establishment of rest areas for pilgrims covering an area of 28,000 square meters between the holy sites.
The projects include the establishment of 15 emergency and first aid centers, in addition to 71 emergency and first aid launch centers distributed along the Hajj route. Their role focuses on providing urgent medical and therapeutic services, as well as logistical assistance to the pilgrims, such as distribution of water and snacks and offering guidance services.
The progress of the implementation of the second phase of the Muzdalifah Haram Path Project also figured in the discussion of the meeting. This project, which covers an area of 170,000 square meters, includes the implementation of rubber flooring, green spaces, rest areas, water fountains, and misting fans. The project also includes the construction of 64 two-story restroom complexes, and renovation of135 compactor bin sites in Mina to increase waste storage capacity during the Hajj season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
World's largest cooling system activated at Grand Mosque ahead of Hajj 1446
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the largest cooling system of its kind in the world, as part of preparations for the 1446 Hajj season. The system boasts a total capacity of 155,000 tons of cooling. The air conditioning infrastructure of the Grand Mosque relies on two main stations: Al-Shamiya Station, with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and Ajyad Station, with a capacity of 35,000 tons. These stations cover the entire mosque complex, including all expansion areas, ensuring pilgrims experience moderate and comfortable temperatures ranging from 22°C to 24°C. To maintain optimal air quality, the system integrates advanced purification technologies capable of removing 95% of airborne impurities. This ensures a clean and safe environment for pilgrims, particularly during the peak summer heat. Proactive and continuous maintenance is being conducted by the Haram Authority. This includes the replacement of key components, securing work sites, and efficient resource management to accommodate heightened demand during Hajj.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
18 weather stations deployed to monitor Makkah and Holy Sites
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) achieved full atmospheric coverage of the holy sites during the Hajj 1446 season, intensifying its field and technical operations as part of efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims and improve forecasting accuracy. As part of its operational readiness plan, NCM deployed 16 automatic monitoring stations across Makkah and the holy sites, along with two manned stations in Mina and Arafat. This network enabled the issuance of 1,920 hourly weather bulletins, supported by a mobile monitoring center that enhanced real-time observation capabilities. In Madinah, the center activated six automated stations and a manned observatory at Madinah Airport. Coverage was further enhanced by a dedicated weather radar system in the region, complemented by three auxiliary radars in Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu, allowing for broader geographic data collection and improved accuracy in forecasts. To support awareness efforts, NCM launched a specialized media and communication production center in Mina. The center produces weather updates and safety messages in multiple languages, targeting both pilgrims and operational authorities through dedicated media channels. These communications are powered by artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia reports five heat exhaustion cases among pilgrims, urges precautions amid soaring temperatures
MAKKAH: As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals. All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The country's National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year's Hajj season. According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent. In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. 'If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,' the post stated. The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate. In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year. Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 'Health efforts began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,' SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel. The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom's health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight. As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said. To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims. Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co. In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior. These were inaugurated 'alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,' Al-Jalajel told SPA. The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom's health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
