Planning for Hajj Begins Long Before the Current Season Ends
The Minister of Hajj in Saudi Arabia confirmed that preparations for the next Hajj season begin during the current pilgrimage through coordinated work of government agencies and support services for pilgrims.
Integrated Planning System
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, explained that preparations for the new pilgrimage season start on the 12th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah — even before the current Hajj concludes. During this period, meetings are held with the heads of pilgrim affairs offices and companies providing services to pilgrims. These meetings develop a detailed roadmap for the upcoming season. This approach ensures continuity and quality of preparation, as well as taking into account the experiences and conclusions of the current season when planning the next one.
Coordination with International Partners
The ministry is working on a detailed plan coordinated with 78 countries that have significant Muslim populations. Regular virtual meetings with pilgrim affairs offices allow for monitoring readiness and tracking the implementation of the plan. The coordination encompasses all operational aspects: management of holy sites, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, transportation, catering, and aviation services. This comprehensive approach ensures that every element of the pilgrimage is carefully planned and coordinated.
Safety and Management of Pilgrim Flows
The minister emphasized the critical importance of adhering to approved transportation plans and managing the flow of people at holy sites. He warned pilgrims against moving freely in crowds, as this poses a safety threat and disrupts transportation flow. In particular, it is recommended to stay in the Arafat camps during periods of intense heat (from 10 AM to 4 PM), when the risk of heatstroke is highest. These measures are developed based on years of experience organizing one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Role of Pilgrim Affairs Offices
At a semi-annual meeting of the heads of pilgrim affairs offices from Islamic countries and countries with Muslim populations, issues of Hajj system readiness, initiatives to improve services, and ways to strengthen coordination with pilgrimage missions were discussed. The minister praised the cooperation of the offices and emphasized the importance of early planning and strict adherence to regulations to enhance the effectiveness of the pilgrimage system and the quality of services provided to pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does planning for the next Hajj season begin?
Preparation for the next season begins on the 12th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, that is, even during the current pilgrimage. This allows for fresh experiences and conclusions to be used to improve the upcoming season.
Which countries participate in coordinating Hajj preparations?
The Ministry of Saudi Arabia coordinates preparations with 78 countries that have significant Muslim populations. Regular virtual meetings ensure constant contact and monitoring of the readiness of all participants.
Why is it important to adhere to pilgrim flow management plans?
Adhering to approved transportation and flow management plans is critical for the safety of pilgrims and ensuring effective movement of people at holy sites. Moving freely poses a threat and disrupts overall organization.
