Photo by [Arab News]
During an interview with Salaamedia, Mohammed Jibran Khan, the Producer at Haramain Sharifain, expressed his thoughts on the extensive improvements implemented by the Saudi Arabian government to enhance the services and amenities for the pilgrims. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia is “buzzing” with activity as the capacity has been restored to pre-pandemic levels.
“Saudi Arabia is completely buzzing at the moment. Every government outlet is at its full capacity. They are ready to welcome the Hajj period. It has already begun at Maghrib. We are into the Hajj on day one. Pilgrims are performing tawaf and their arrival tawaf. They will start departing for Mina shortly after midnight. The majority of the pilgrims will start to depart to Mina after the white fajr, as we call it in Makkah [because pilgrims adorn the Ihram for Hajj] … Everyone is ready and buzzing. It’s truly a serene atmosphere right now in the holy city.”
Changes Made to Improve the Hajj Experience
Following the conclusion of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Saudi Arabian government has undertaken notable enhancements in infrastructure, logistics, and technology to ensure a smoother and more convenient pilgrimage experience for travellers.
The capacity at the two most sacred sites in the Islamic world has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Furthermore, transportation services have been improved, and digital platforms have been utilised to give pilgrims increased access to information and various services.
According to Khan, the Saudi Government has introduced and successfully implemented the Makkah Route Initiative. This initiative aims to simplify travel, immigration procedures, and other necessary processes by allowing them to be completed in the pilgrims’ countries of origin.
“Saudi Arabia has suddenly taken a leap towards technological advancement, especially as they have put it into Hajj. If you went to Hajj before 2020, which was in Covid-19, you had to go through a lot of paperwork, but now you are [using] apps … Saudi Arabia also introduced in recent years the Makkah Route, which allows immigration [to be] done in the home country of the pilgrims … So much has become, so much easier.”
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Highly Trained and Skilled Personnel and Volunteers
In addition to infrastructure and technological advancements, the Saudi government has also focused on training personnel and volunteers from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and languages. These individuals have undergone basic medical training and acquired navigational skills to assist pilgrims in need.
The presence of highly trained and skilled personnel ensures that any issues pilgrims face, such as getting lost, heat-related conditions or requiring medical attention, amongst other services, can be promptly addressed. Khan acknowledges the dedication and preparation of these volunteers, emphasising their valuable contribution to a successful Hajj experience.
“The most [significant] thing that happens right on the ground is because of the heat. Heat strokes and heat stress cases … The Ministry of Hajj has taken volunteers directly from medical schools [who] are still in training. They have taken them and then put them on the ground. [As they are in] the medical field, they can more professionally treat the victims of heat stroke or heat stress.”
