Saudi Arabia ramps up Hajj 2025 preparations with major infrastructure upgrades
Central Hajj Committee met to assess the readiness of facilities and services for pilgrims
Last updated: March 07, 2025 | 13:50
1 MIN READ
The plan is designed to enhance safety, streamline logistics, and ensure efficient crisis management during the pilgrimage. AFP
Dubai: With the Hajj 2025 season approaching, Saudi authorities are ramping up preparations with a series of major infrastructure and service upgrades aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience.
The Central Hajj Committee, chaired by Deputy Emir of Mecca Prince Saud bin Mishaal, met yesterday to assess the readiness of facilities and services for pilgrims during Ramadan and the upcoming Hajj season.
During the meeting, Kidana Company presented its development projects for Hajj 2025, which include shading and cooling pedestrian pathways at the holy sites of Mina and Arafat, a heat mitigation project around Namirah Mosque, and the installation of two-story toilet complexes to accommodate growing pilgrim numbers.
Plans also call for replacing concrete stairs with electric escalators in elevated areas, expanding tree planting and vegetation cover at Jabal Al Rahmah, and introducing additional pressure boxes in Mina to enhance infrastructure resilience.
The meeting, held under the directives of Emir of Mecca and Committee Chairman Prince Khaled Al Faisal, also reviewed the latest Hajj 2025 operational plans and the emergency response strategy prepared by the General Directorate of Civil Defense. The plan, which involves coordination among 43 government agencies, is designed to enhance safety, streamline logistics, and ensure efficient crisis management during the pilgrimage.
Prince Saud was briefed on the service efforts of various agencies supporting worshipers at the Grand Mosque during Ramadan, with discussions covering crowd management, transportation, and healthcare provisions. The committee also addressed several other agenda items and issued recommendations to further refine preparations for Hajj.
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