Hajj Media Operations Center Highlights Success in Security, Health, and Logistics

The Ministry of Media’s Hajj Media Operations Center hosted a conference yesterday, where representatives from the ministries of interior, Hajj and Umrah, health, and transport and logistic services detailed the successful execution of Hajj 1446 AH plans.

 Interior Ministry representative Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub congratulated pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha, assuring them of continuous security efforts in Mina, the Grand Mosque, and Jamarat. He urged pilgrims to adhere to dispatching schedules and designated routes, especially for stoning and Tawaf, and to avoid carrying luggage to crowded areas. Security measures have significantly reduced violations, with 436 fake campaigns busted and 462 violators arrested.

 Hajj and Umrah Ministry representative Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi lauded Saudi Arabia's advanced crowd management model, emphasizing its safety and efficiency despite complex logistics. He reported on pilgrim movements, noting 64% opted to spend the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina before moving to Arafat. Over 436,000 pilgrims performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Sa'i by early evening Eid.

 He added that the Nusuk app has been pivotal, with over 5.5 million electronic readings, guiding over 35,000 pilgrims, and linking over 400,000 bags for easy transport. Nusuk Care centers provided over 50,000 services, and the 1966 call center handled over 310,000 inquiries. He reiterated the importance of pilgrims staying in camps from 10 am to 4 pm during daylight hours of Tashreeq to avoid heat exposure.

 Health Ministry representative Khalid Al-Tala highlighted the smooth movement of pilgrims and the presence of health teams along pedestrian routes. He attributed the success of the health plan, including a 90% reduction in heat stress cases compared to last year (only 362 cases reported), to strict adherence to "No Hajj without a permit" regulations and well-executed dispatching plans. Over 125,000 integrated health services were provided, including 18 open-heart surgeries and 216 cardiac catheterizations. He assured the public that no disease outbreaks were recorded.

 Transport and Logistic Services Ministry representative Saleh Al-Zuwaid reported smooth operations for the Al-Mashaer train, which transported on Arafah Day over 294,000 pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah and over 349,000 from Muzdalifah to Mina. The train continues service until Dhu Al-Hijjah 13.

 He also detailed the new shuttle service from west Jamarat to the Grand Mosque, moving up to 20,000 passengers per hour with 100 buses on a dedicated 20-minute route. He added that with over 45,000 national cadres, the transportation system is fully prepared for pilgrim departures via six designated airports, urging pilgrims to adhere to luggage regulations.