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Saudi Gazette
13 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Prophet's Mosque hosts over 12 million worshippers in 2 weeks
Saudi Gazette Report MADINAH — The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque provided a comprehensive package of services to pilgrims during the pre-Hajj period, reflecting its continuous care for worshippers and visitors and its commitment to facilitating their worship in a safe and organized environment. According to recently released statistics, 12,914,153 worshippers visited the Prophet's Mosque between Dhul Qada 15 and Dhul Hijjah 1, with the Holy Rawdah receiving 666,580 visitors during the same timeframe. Beyond facilitating prayer, the authority extended a wide array of services to pilgrims. These included providing transportation services in the courtyards to 161,802 beneficiaries, distributing 301,802 Iftar meals to those fasting, and supplying 218,336 bottles of Zamzam water, with total Zamzam consumption reaching 3,360 tons. Environmental care and cleanliness were also paramount. Teams removed 312 tons of waste and used 41,675 liters of disinfectants and sterilizers throughout the mosque, with an additional 10,950 liters allocated for other facilities. To further enhance the spiritual ambiance, the mosque was perfumed with seven kilograms of incense and 39 liters of luxurious perfumes and oils. These extensive efforts reflect the profound care provided by the wise leadership to the Prophet's Mosque and are a key part of the approved operational plans for the Hajj season, aimed at delivering the finest services to pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and peace of mind during their visit.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Over 23,000 buses deployed while Mashaer Train transports 604,000 pilgrims
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — More than 23,000 buses were deployed across three shuttle routes, supplemented by traditional modes of transportation during this year's Hajj, according to the control room at the Public Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. This effort, part of the largest transport fleet operating in a single area worldwide, achieved a record time for Tawaf Al-Ifadah, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and precise operational coordination. Moreover, the Mashaer Metro Train maintained its efficient performance, transporting over 604,000 pilgrims since its launch of operation for this year's Hajj on Tuesday. These were distributed across three main movements: Movement A with more than 27,000 passengers, Movement B with 283,000, and Movement C—the highest—with 294,000, reflecting the system's strong operational efficiency. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health continued to provide integrated services through its facilities across the holy sites. The number of health services provided exceeded 125,573, including advanced procedures such as 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries, all performed efficiently by qualified Saudi medical personnel. This outcome confirms the high level of health preparedness and the development of national medical capabilities. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that it has conducted over 5.5 million electronic readings of the Nusuk Card as part of its technical plans to enhance pilgrim services and improve organizational safety. Meanwhile, the Pilgrims Care Center, through the unified number 1966, has provided more than 310,000 services since the beginning of the season, including inquiries and direct support. Additionally, field teams from the Compliance Centers have carried out over 65,000 inspection tours of service providers to reinforce compliance and improve performance quality. These integrated efforts reflect the strong coordination among various entities involved in Hajj, under the guidance of the wise leadership and in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to advance the Hajj system, harness modern technology, enhance the pilgrim experience, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe, organized environment prepared to the highest international standards.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Pilgrims perform 4 main rituals of Hajj in a serene atmosphere on Friday
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — The Hajj pilgrims performed four main rituals of Hajj in a smooth and serene atmosphere on Friday. The meticulously designed foolproof organizational and service plans for Hajj 2025 have transformed the pilgrims' journey from Muzdalifah to Mina into a smooth crowd movement featuring easy access to the Jamarat facility for the stoning ritual in a safe and tranquil atmosphere. These plans, implemented in coordination with various security and service agencies, have contributed to achieving the highest levels of discipline and organization by utilizing modern technological tools and well-designed operational models. These enabled smooth and safe crowd movement. With hearts filled with joy and pleasure over performing the ritual of standing at Arafat, the apex point of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, on Thursday, masses of pilgrims embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil under the soaring summer heat. The ritual marks the final days of the Hajj and the start of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world on Friday, Dhul Hijjah 10, which is also known as Yaum Al-Nahr or the Day of Sacrifice. On Friday morning, crowds of pilgrims headed on foot to the stoning areas. Some were seen pushing disabled pilgrims on wheelchairs on a multi-lane road leading to the complex housing the large pillars. Most pilgrims were seen sweltering and carrying umbrellas to protect them against the burning summer sun. Upon reaching Mina, pilgrims performed stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqba (biggest pillar symbolizing Satan), following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). They used seven pebbles for the stoning ritual. The pilgrims' movement to hurl pebbles at Jamrat Al-Aqaba was smooth, orderly, and flexible on the floors of the giant Jamarat Bridge Complex with all the precautionary measures in place. Reaching the Jamarat, they stopped the chanting of talbiyah and started reciting takbeer (Allahu Akbar) while proceeding to perform the stoning ritual. Around 300,000 pilgrims can perform the stoning ritual at the facility in an hour. All the security, health, ambulance, hygiene and civil defense services are well in place at the Jamarat Bridge. The security men were seen organizing the movement of pilgrims in the vast sprawling stoning area on the multi-level Jamarat Complex and at its entrances and exits. The heat-blocking coating of pedestrian paths in Mina leading to the Jamarat Bridge are giving some respite to the pilgrims under the scorching sun. The General Directorate of Civil Defense has strengthened its preparations throughout the Jamarat facility and its surrounding areas to receive the pilgrims. The Civil Defense forces continued their field services by conducting operations throughout the Jamarat Bridge facility and surrounding areas to provide services to pilgrims. Civil Defense teams and units are stationed at all points of the bridge and its main entrances. They are equipped with personnel, technical equipment, machinery, and protective gear, working in collaboration with Hajj security forces and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. After performing the stoning ritual, the pilgrims sacrificed animals, and thus had a partial exit (first tahallul) from the state of ihram by shaving or cutting hair for men while women trim the length of a finger-tip from one strand of hair. They then changed back into normal clothing from ihram. Pilgrims then proceeded to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah and sai' (ritual of running between Safa and Marwah), two other pillars of Hajj. Those pilgrims who performed sai' along with Tawaful Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival) need not perform it again. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, working in close coordination with relevant authorities, has meticulously managed crowd movement within the mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba). In addition to crowd control, comprehensive services have been intensified to ensure pilgrims' well-being, including rigorous cleaning and sterilization efforts, provision of multi-language guidance and counseling services, and 24-hour emergency and ambulance services With the performance of tawaf and sai', pilgrims would exit completely from the state of ihram. To assist pilgrims in completing their Hajj rituals, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque is providing a 24-hour haircut service for complete tahallul. The service is available at two convenient locations within the Grand Mosque: one near Al-Marwah Gate and the other in the eastern courtyard. A specialized and experienced team delivers this swift service, with each pilgrim's haircut taking two minutes. All tools used are fully sterilized, ensuring an efficient, prompt, and high-quality service that adheres to the strictest safety standards. In the remaining two or three days of Hajj, which are known as Ayyamu Tashreeq or Tashreeq Days, the only ritual to be performed is stoning at each of the three Jamarat (Jamarat Al-Sughra, Jamarat Al-Wusta and Jamarat Al-Aqba) seven times each after staying overnight in Mina.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Jamarat Complex accommodates over 300,000 pilgrims per hour
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — The high-tech Jamarat Complex in Mina stands as one of the most remarkable development projects implemented by Saudi Arabia at the holy sites. It represents a major advancement in crowd management, meeting the highest global engineering and organizational standards. The Jamarat facility has a capacity of over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, allowing for smooth and safe movement during the peak of the stoning ritual throughout the Days of Tashreeq (Dhul Hijjah 11-13). Pilgrims perform stoning ritual seven times on each of the three Jamarat pillars on Tashreeq days. The Jamarat area witnesses the arrival of large groups of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual in a spiritual scene that reflects devotion and emulation of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Historically, the Jamarat consisted of small stone pillars surrounded by narrow spaces and limited pathways, often resulting in overcrowding and difficulty in performing the ritual, especially with the growing number of pilgrims. Today, the site has been transformed into an integrated architectural landmark spanning five levels, with a length of 950 meters and a width of 80 meters. It includes 386 escalators, 11 buildings for escalators, multiple-direction bridges, designated entry and exit paths, emergency exits, as well as advanced cooling and monitoring systems.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Health Ministry warns of avoiding direct sun exposure during peak Hajj hours
Saudi Gazette Report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Health has issued a critical advisory, urging all Hajj pilgrims to avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when temperatures at the holy sites peak so as to enhance the prevention of heat exhaustion and sunstroke among worshipers. The ministry underscored the vital importance of adhering to several key preventive measures. These include using umbrellas, drinking sufficient amounts of water, and strictly adhering to grouping instructions provided by authorities. These guidelines are integral to the health sector's comprehensive efforts to protect pilgrims and enhance their safety while performing the Hajj rituals. The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday, the Day of Arafat, a remarkable 90 percent decrease in the number of heat exhaustion cases among pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, compared to last year. This significant reduction is attributed to the concerted efforts of the health sector, working in close collaboration with various government agencies, to proactively address health risks. Even before the pilgrims' movement to Mina, to mark the beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health had intensified its comprehensive field and awareness initiatives to safeguard pilgrims' health and prevent heat stress. This effort aligned with Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program that aimed for a safe and healthy Hajj. The ministry cautioned that symptoms of heat stress include headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, thirst, and nausea. Upon noticing these, pilgrims should immediately move to a shaded area, cool down with water, and drink plenty of fluids, it said. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities. The ministry affirmed that the health sector is highly prepared, with over 34 equipped field health units strategically distributed across the holy sites. These units provide urgent medical care and rapid response for heat stress cases.
