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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – As the Hajj 2025 season rapidly approaches, Saudi Arabian ministers are undertaking comprehensive inspection tours of critical facilities and infrastructure in Jeddah and other holy sites to ensure the highest level of readiness for the millions of pilgrims expected to arrive.These inspections underscore the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience for the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

Focus on Transportation and Logistics in Jeddah

On Wednesday, May 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, conducted a detailed review of the transport and logistics sector's preparedness in Jeddah. This inspection followed similar assessments in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, highlighting a holistic approach to Hajj readiness.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA)—Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex:

  • Minister Al-Jasser meticulously inspected the operations of Saudia Airlines and the overall readiness of the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex.4
  • The focus was on ensuring the terminal can efficiently handle the projected 7,000+ pilgrim flights and facilitate a smooth passenger flow, a crucial aspect for a seamless Hajj experience.
  • He also visited the complex's media center, emphasizing its technical and staffing readiness to support local and international press coverage by providing a coordinated workspace and essential resources.6 This ensures transparent and timely communication during the Hajj season.

Jeddah Islamic Port:

  • The Minister toured Jeddah Islamic Port, evaluating the Saudi Ports Authority's operations in supporting pilgrims arriving by sea.
  • He reviewed the arrival and departure halls, which are impressively equipped with 100 passport counters, 300 luggage carts, and a dedicated health center offering vaccinations and medical services.
  • Specialized equipment for the elderly and those with medical needs was also assessed, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to accessibility and care for all pilgrims.

Broader Hajj Readiness: Inspections Beyond Jeddah

The comprehensive inspection efforts extend beyond Jeddah, encompassing all vital points for Hajj 2025.10

Minister of Hajj and Umrah's Oversight:

  • Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has been actively inspecting the readiness of the Holy Sites themselves.11
  • His recent tours included reviewing the Kadana Al Wadi Towers in Mina, which are transforming pilgrim accommodation. These new projects by Kadana Development Company aim to improve and develop the environment of the holy sites, including the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina.12
  • He also inspected shading and cooling projects around the Namirah Mosque in Arafat, covering an area of 85,000 square meters, with 320 canopies and 350 misting fans to combat the intense heat.13
  • The development of restroom systems in Mina, replacing 2,116 restrooms with 61 modern two-story complexes, is another key initiative aimed at enhancing pilgrim comfort and hygiene.14
  • Furthermore, Dr. Al-Rabiah reviewed the planting of 20,000 trees across 290,000 square meters as part of the Green Sites Project, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative for increased green spaces.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Inspections:

  • The SFDA has launched extensive field inspection tours in Madinah and Jeddah, and at key locations like King Abdulaziz International Airport's air cargo terminal and Hajj Terminal.
  • These inspections are vital for evaluating the preparedness of inspection teams and overseeing the implementation of operational plans to safeguard the health and safety of pilgrims by ensuring the highest standards of food, drug, and medical product safety.
  • The SFDA's focus includes comprehensive inspections of food factories and facilities to verify adherence to health and technical regulations, ensuring that pilgrims receive safe and high-quality food products.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Preparations:

  • The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed preparations at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to welcome pilgrims.18
  • This includes dedicated counters providing awareness and guidance services, distributing copies of the Holy Quran in various translations, and offering multilingual ministry publications on Hajj rituals.
  • Specialized Islamic awareness booths, staffed by qualified preachers, are set up to provide jurisprudential guidance and answer pilgrims' inquiries.19

Deputy Emir of Makkah Region's Oversight:

  • Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, also conducted a comprehensive inspection tour.20
  • His visit included the Al-Shamsi Center sorting point for managing pilgrim entry to Makkah and enforcing regulations against unauthorized access.
  • He reviewed the Unified Security Operations Center (911), which leverages advanced technology for real-time security and humanitarian services, including multilingual call handling and crisis management 
  • Inspections in Arafat and Muzdalifah focused on heat stress mitigation projects and pedestrian path enhancements, including rubber flooring and additional tree planting, to improve service quality and safety for pilgrims. 
  • He also assessed the new emergency hospital construction in Mina, which will significantly boost healthcare capacity during the Hajj seas

Strict Measures Against Unauthorized Pilgrimage

Saudi authorities are continuing their stringent crackdown on unauthorized Hajj attempts.23 The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued stern warnings against dealing with unauthorized travel agents and fraudulent Hajj campaigns, urging pilgrims to book exclusively through the official Nusuk platform.24 Penalties for violating Hajj visa regulations, including fines, deportation, and a potential ban from entering the Kingdom, are being strictly enforced, emphasizing the importance of legal entry and valid Hajj permits.

Technological Advancements and Pilgrim Support

The ongoing inspections and preparations highlight Saudi Arabia's reliance on technology and innovation to enhance the Hajj experience.26 The deployment of AI solutions to streamline pilgrim entry at Jeddah airport and Islamic Port, the use of Hajj Smart ID Bracelets for real-time tracking and emergency alerts, and the continuous development of the Nusuk platform with over 100 additional services, all aim to provide an integrated and efficient pilgrimage.27The efforts of various Saudi ministers and government agencies, working in close coordination, underscore the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and memorable Hajj 2025 for all who undertake this sacred spiritual journey to Mecca.

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