Saudi authorities have been widely praised for their exceptional management of Hajj 2025, as 1.67 million pilgrims completed the crucial Day of Arafat on Thursday without any major health or security issues.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive service system and meticulous planning as key factors behind the smooth and peaceful atmosphere throughout the day.
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He emphasized that pilgrims were transported swiftly from Makkah and Mina to Arafat through flexible and efficient plans, with no reports of security or epidemic problems, attributing the success to divine blessing.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that the transfer operation on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah went according to plan, facilitated by a unified operational approach managed by the Joint Operations and Dispatching Center — a new innovation introduced this year.
The movement utilized modern buses and the Mashair Train, operating on strict schedules with robust security measures that ensured the organized distribution of pilgrims across the Arafat camps.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence were employed to control crowd movements by analyzing real-time data, predicting congestion, and dynamically redirecting groups. A 24/7 monitoring center equipped with a smart camera system allowed instant communication with relevant authorities. Furthermore, the digital “Nusuk” card, integrated with the “Nusuk” and “Tawakkalna” platforms, tracked pilgrims precisely through QR codes, improving punctuality and control within the sacred sites.
This comprehensive strategy involved extensive simulations of crowd scenarios, readiness evaluations, and close cooperation between agencies, establishing a sustainable operational model for Hajj 1446.
The Ministry of Health also announced a remarkable 90% reduction in heat exhaustion cases compared to the previous year, crediting proactive preventive measures, widespread awareness campaigns, and smooth coordination among health sectors — all aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through the Health Sector Transformation and Pilgrim Experience Programs.
Prince Saud expressed deep gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their dedicated support and resource mobilization for the pilgrims. He also acknowledged Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif’s leadership in overseeing the plans and praised the security forces, volunteers, and service teams for their continued dedication, calling on them to keep up their noble efforts.
Following the successful completion of the Day of Arafat, pilgrims have now moved on to Muzdalifah, preparing for the symbolic stoning rituals in Mina, as Hajj 2025 proceeds under Saudi Arabia’s advanced and digitally enhanced management system.
