First Simulation for Crowd Management and Transportation For This Year’s Hajj
تنفيذ التجربة الفرضية الأولى لمحاكاة تفويج ونقل الحجاج
Today, on Thursday, 26 Sha'ban 1445 AH, corresponding to March 7, 2024, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has successfully conducted a groundbreaking inaugural virtual simulation. This simulation, a significant milestone in our journey towards ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims, meticulously replicated transportation and crowd management procedures for the 1445 AH Hajj Season. It followed the organizational framework of movement, identified departure locations, and adhered to designated routes, all achieved within a commendable six-and-a-half hours with exceptional readiness and efficiency, instilling a sense of confidence in our preparations. The success of this simulation was a testament to the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the pertinent authorities overseeing this year's Hajj season. The simulation comprised four stages, beginning with the ascent on the day of Al-Tarwiayh (from Mina to Arafat), followed by Al-Ifadah (journeying forth from Arafat to Muzdalifah), and concluding with departure (returning from Muzdalifah to Mina). All these stages were conducted in close collaboration, demonstrating the integral role of each participating entity. The simulation plan included ensuring prerequisites for a successful experience, such as providing human resources earmarked for utilization during the Hajj season by participating entities. Additionally, measures encompassed the clearance of materials and residues along designated routes, opening closed roads, preparation of cemented barriers, provision of safety tools and equipment, traffic guidance, and enhancement of directional signage, emphasizing adherence to bus sticker guidelines. These meticulous preparations are aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims during the Hajj season. The simulation experience included: Evaluation teams. A supervisory team from senior leadership. Six field evaluation teams from the participating entities. These entities played a crucial role in the simulation, providing valuable insights and contributing to its overall success. The targeted crowd-management operations focused on operations in the holy sites, arrival operations in Makkah, and departure operations from Makkah. These operations were conducted within a specified timeframe from 4:00 PM until 10:30 PM, a period carefully chosen to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims and minimize any potential disruptions. By launching this inaugural simulation experience, the Ministry aims to instill comprehensive readiness within the holy sites, foster complete preparedness among participating teams, and guarantee the commitment and diligence of relevant authorities in efficiently executing their tasks. This effort is about ensuring the safety of pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah and enabling them to perform their rituals with utmost ease and convenience, thereby instilling a sense of confidence and security