The commencement of time planning for the Hajj season of 2025 has been announced by Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal, with senior officials and representatives of 60 entities involved in the Hajj operation attending the meeting. This event was held under the patronage of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah, advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the Central Hajj Committee. The meeting was organized by the Hajj Projects Office under the Service of the Pilgrim Experience Program within the Saudi Vision 2030. In his speech, Prince Saud emphasized the importance of elevating operational standards, refining systems, and enhancing procedures in the Hajj and Umrah sectors. He highlighted the need for immediate, practical solutions to challenges as they arise, and the importance of intensified collaboration and coordination among all sectors involved to improve services and make the Hajj journey more accessible and seamless for all pilgrims.
Prince Saud conveyed Prince Khaled’s appreciation to the organizations responsible for serving pilgrims, acknowledging their tireless efforts to ensure the comfort of pilgrims. He emphasized the Saudi leadership’s dedication to providing exceptional services, adhering to the highest standards. Prince Saud highlighted the importance of early preparation for the upcoming Hajj season and fulfilling responsibilities toward those who visit the holiest sites on earth. The meeting also reviewed the achievements of Hajj 1445 AH, including 300 operational plans to enhance readiness, the activation of the Nusuk card, successful trial operations of Hajj flights from Taif International Airport, and the expansion of the Makkah Route Initiative. Other achievements included the partial opening of the direct Jeddah-Makkah road, improved transportation between Mina and the Grand Mosque, and the application of heat-reducing coats near Namirah Mosque.
The meeting also explored comprehensive readiness plans, operational performance indicators, and quality measurement standards. A workshop titled “Alignment on services, roles, and main features” was conducted, focusing on refining service standards and boosting data-sharing practices for readiness indicators. The meeting aimed to build on the successes of Hajj 1445 AH and achieve key goals for the upcoming Hajj season. It emphasized the nation’s ability to serve pilgrims, enabling them to fulfill Islam’s fifth pillar with peace, security, and comfort. The Saudi leadership’s dedication to providing exceptional services to pilgrims was highlighted, with a focus on improving worker efficiency in the Hajj and Umrah sectors.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing operational standards, refining systems, and finding immediate solutions to challenges in the Hajj and Umrah sectors. It emphasized the need for intensified collaboration and coordination among all sectors involved to improve services and make the Hajj journey more accessible and seamless for all pilgrims. The achievements of Hajj 1445 AH were lauded, showcasing the collective dedication of the concerned Saudi government and private agencies and authorities. With a focus on early preparation for the upcoming Hajj season and the importance of fulfilling responsibilities toward pilgrims, the meeting aimed to continue providing exceptional services to those who visit the holiest sites on earth.