Islamonweb

Saudi Arabia has successfully concluded the Hajj season of 1446 AH (2025), marking a historic achievement in terms of operational excellence, technological integration, and service delivery. The announcement came from senior officials including the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, who confirmed the season’s success across security, health, and logistical dimensions.

Speaking during the annual reception for Islamic dignitaries and scholars in Mina, Minister Al-Rabiah outlined the Kingdom’s key accomplishments, highlighting the launch of the Hajj Transport Center as a landmark development that unified transport operations across Makkah and the holy sites. More than 7,000 flights from 238 destinations brought pilgrims to the Kingdom, alongside 4,700 Haramain High-Speed Railway trips and 2,500 shuttle bus services, all supported by a fleet of over 20,000 buses.

In the health sector, hospital bed capacity at the holy sites was expanded by more than 60%, and a new emergency hospital was inaugurated. The deployment of 71 rapid response units tripled emergency capacity compared to previous years. Over 5,000 health volunteers participated in providing preventive, curative, and support services under the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of God Service Program, both part of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Kingdom also reaffirmed the success of the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign, which enhanced crowd control and safety by barring unauthorized individuals from entering the holy sites. More than 270,000 unregistered persons were reportedly turned away. The use of AI-powered drones, 5G connectivity, free Wi-Fi, and digital monitoring platforms helped ensure a smooth and secure experience for pilgrims.

The total number of pilgrims this year reached 1,673,230, including 1,506,576 from abroad and 166,654 domestic pilgrims, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Of the total, 877,841 were men and 795,389 were women. Air travel accounted for the majority of entries, with 1.4 million pilgrims arriving by air, followed by 66,400 by land and 5,100 by sea.

In addition to Hajj services, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the opening of the Umrah visa season for the new Hijri year, starting from Tuesday. International pilgrims can now apply for Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform, which provides digital services in multiple languages to ensure ease of access and high-quality support.

As the Hajj season concludes, pilgrims have now begun arriving in Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), offer prayers, and explore the historic sites connected to the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The arrival of pilgrims in Madinah continues in an organised and serene manner, supported by local authorities and service teams.

Prince Saud bin Mishaal, in his closing statement, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the flawless implementation of the operational plan and announced that preparations for Hajj 2026 have already begun. “The Kingdom, as leadership and people, takes immense pride in serving the Two Holy Mosques and those who visit them,” he stated.

Furthermore, the holy sites this year offered 111 new rental units for investment and entrepreneurship, as part of efforts to enhance the pilgrim experience and encourage private sector participation in developing innovative services.

Saudi Arabia’s successful management of Hajj 2025 stands as a testament to its evolving capabilities in hosting the world’s largest annual religious gathering—seamlessly combining faith, technology, and service.