RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said that the ministry has fielded more than 22,000 personnel to offer the best possible services for the Hajj pilgrims.
Addressing the government press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Al-Hogail stated that the ministry, in partnership with the Holy Makkah Mayoralty and Madinah Regional Mayoralty, has mobilized its municipal capabilities to improve the pilgrim experience through integrated regulatory, operational, and field efforts.
The minister affirmed that the Hajj system has witnessed significant progress in integration and readiness among government entities in recent years, improving services for pilgrims and enhancing operational efficiency across all sites. “Municipal assets, including roads, tunnels, lighting, and parks, have been utilized to provide a safe and well-prepared environment for pilgrims,” he said.
Al-Hogail stated that the ministry’s efforts are centered on four main pillars, the first of which focuses on enhancing the safe movement of pilgrims through an advanced network of roads, bridges, tunnels, and flood drainage systems that support smoother traffic flow and crowd management across the holy sites. The second pillar focuses on cleanliness and environmental sanitation around the clock through an operational system comprising more than 88,000 cleaning units and 3,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment, providing a healthy and comfortable environment for pilgrims.
Regarding the third pillar, specialized field teams and laboratories conduct daily inspections of food, water, facilities, and buildings, in addition to addressing negative practices such as random slaughtering and street vending through alternative regulatory solutions. The fourth pillar centers on rapid response through an integrated operational and digital system that manages field reports via 66 service centers supported by more than 22,000 field personnel, contributing to faster response times and improved service efficiency.
Al-Hogail noted that the ministry has prepared an emergency response system using advanced equipment and machinery, alongside two shelter centers designated to support emergency cases as part of efforts to enhance public safety and field readiness.
Municipal services also extend to Madinah through an operational system involving thousands of personnel, vehicles, and location-guidance networks, facilitating visitor movement and providing a well-prepared environment.
The minister also highlighted the role of municipalities across the Kingdom in supporting pilgrims arriving through border crossings, airports, and regional roads through integrated operational and service efforts.
Source: Saudi Gazette