Minister of Hajj and Umrah Announces Successful Pilgrim Ascent to Mount Arafat
وزير الحج والعمرة يعلن نجاح خطة تصعيد الحجاج إلى مشعر عرفات
His Excellency Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has announced the successful implementation of the ascent plans from Makkah and Mina to the plains of Arafat. The operation, facilitated by the Mashaer Train and over 20,000 buses, involved the dedicated participation of 100,000 transportation personnel, including 60,000 drivers and field guides. The pilgrims' ascent from Mina was completed in record time, precisely at 10:30 AM today. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Ministry's camp in Arafat. Dr. Al-Rabiah affirmed that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and its partners continuously monitor all services provided to pilgrims through round-the-clock field teams, ensuring the highest satisfaction and comfort. Dr. Al-Rabiah revealed that this year's Hajj season, 1445H, welcomed 1,833,164 pilgrims from over 200 countries, with 221,854 from within Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims comprised 52% males and 48% females. By the grace of Allah, all pilgrims stand on the sacred plain and will proceed to Muzdalifah according to the pre-arranged schedules and plans by the Ministry. On this occasion, Dr. Al-Rabiah extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, for their unwavering dedication to providing exemplary services to the Holy Mosque's guests. He also expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee; His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region, Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee; His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, Governor of Al-Madinah Region, Chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee; their deputies; and all civilian and military sectors for their seamless collaboration in ensuring the success of this year's Hajj season and the comfort of the pilgrims, meeting the aspirations of the wise leadership. Dr. Al-Rabiah commended the outstanding efforts and early preparations by all entities involved in the service system for the pilgrims, particularly the "No Hajj Without Permit" campaign led by the Ministry of Interior, which effectively limited unauthorized pilgrims. He also highlighted the exceptional efforts this season with the launch of the "Nusuk Card," with over two million copies distributed to pilgrims and workers. The card provides various benefits, including detailed information about pilgrims, their residence, camp details, service company, and contact numbers. The card played a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and speed of service delivery, improving guidance experiences, and distinguishing authorized pilgrims from others. The card and its services are continuously updated and verified by a specialized technical team from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Rabiah emphasized that these outstanding efforts since the beginning of the season were part of an integrated system involving government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the cooperation from pilgrim affairs offices in Islamic countries, all of whom adhered to the instructions and procedures, contributed significantly. He prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the Hajj of the pilgrims, forgive their sins, and grant continued security and prosperity to our country and all Muslim countries.