Minister of Hajj and Umrah inspects the readiness of the holy sites to receive the Guests of Allah
وزير الحج والعمرة يتفقد جاهزية المشاعر المقدسة لاستقبال ضيوف الرحمن
His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, inspected a number of sites in the holy sites, in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the close follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them – to ensure full readiness to receive the Guests of Allah for the Hajj season of this year 1446 AH. The visit aimed to review the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, and services provided to pilgrims, contributing to their comfort and safety. His Excellency reviewed the readiness of the Kidana Al-Wadi Towers, which offer a comprehensive transformation in the style of pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina. He also reviewed preparations of service-providing companies in the holy sites, including existing facilities, accommodation and housing plans, and the quality of services offered. He inspected several new projects implemented by Kidana Development and Investment Company to improve and develop the holy sites, including advanced service facilities to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. Among the projects scheduled for inauguration this year are a new emergency hospital in Mina with a capacity of 200 beds, the establishment of 71 ambulance centers along pedestrian routes, shading and cooling areas surrounding Namirah Mosque over 85,000 square meters, the installation of 320 canopies and 350 mist fans, and completion of the first phase of upgrading toilet facilities in Mina by replacing 2,116 units with 61 modern two-storey complexes containing more than 5,600 toilets. In addition, 20,000 trees have been planted over an area of 290,000 square meters as part of the Green Holy Sites Project aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These inspection visits come within the framework of ongoing coordination among relevant government entities to ensure full readiness ahead of the Hajj season and to deliver the best enriching and organizational experience for the Guests of Allah. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the arrival of more than 600,000 pilgrims so far through land, air, and sea ports, representing about 42% of the expected total Hajj visas this year, indicating an accelerating pace of arrivals from outside the Kingdom. Relevant authorities continue to intensify efforts to ensure an organized Hajj season supported by advanced infrastructure and an integrated services system that meets pilgrims’ aspirations and reflects the Kingdom’s continuous care for those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.