MINA: When one thinks of Hajj, the first people to come to mind are the millions of Muslims who come from all corners of the earth to partake in the holiest of all Islamic rites. It is all too easy to forget about the heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Hajj as safe and organized as possible.
One of the most important groups involved in the safety of pilgrims is the Saudi Civil Defense. Arab News reported back in July that the Civil Defense would dispatch 17,000 officers and 3,000 vehicles to help cover Hajj.
These officers are responsible for numerous tasks, including helping any pilgrim in need, performing crowd control, providing directions, and more. However, due to the sheer mass of pilgrims, they also recruit volunteers to help out.
These volunteers, known as the Salaam (Peace) team, are certified by the Ministry of Interior to assist the Civil Defense and are participating in Hajj this year for the third time. One of them, Muneera Al-Draiwish, told Arab News about the various responsibilities that a member of the team has.
“There are 125 of us, separated into about 10 groups. We spread awareness about certain dangerous practices that some pilgrims follow, such as overloading power sockets or leaving their trash in the streets. On Arafat Day, we volunteer as paramedics as well,” she said.
Al-Draiwish added that all volunteers undergo training to be able to assist pilgrims — their first aid training includes basic life support — and to detect safety risks and report infarctions.
She also stressed that while pilgrims may find their instructions annoying, they exist for a good reason. “Even if it seems like we’re trying to make things harder for you, we actually just want to keep you safe,” she said.
Mashael Al-Fallatah, another volunteer, allowed Arab News to accompany her on an inspection inside one of the camps at Mina, where she scrupulously checked for safety infarctions including overloaded power sockets, overcrowding, expired fire extinguishers, and a lack of clear emergency exit signs.
“We have to check all of these things to make sure they are licensed and conform to safety standards, to ensure safe accommodation for pilgrims,” she said. “The exit signs, for example, should be fluorescent or neon so you can see them in the dark. And an overcrowded room will make it harder for pilgrims to evacuate in case of an emergency. All of these incidents need to be reported and rectified.”
Al-Fallatah says she takes a lot of pride in what she does and told Arab News that she could see the positive results of her and her teammates’ efforts over the past few years. “These pilgrims are guests in my country, and I personally won’t stand to see them put at risk during what should be the greatest experience of their lives,” she explained.
“Things are much better now than they were a few years ago, now that we have a capable team of women to conduct investigations — especially when some of us are mothers and homemakers ourselves,” she added.
Al-Fallatah hopes that those who are planning to perform Hajj will research their options carefully and learn as much as they can about pilgrimage safety before they embark on their journey.
As for those interested in joining their ranks, volunteer Samira Al-Harithy says that the Civil Defense is always looking for people to sign up, and one can easily do so by going to their website or following them on social media.
“We don’t just participate in Hajj, we are also active during the last 10 days of Ramadan, in both Makkah and Madinah,” she said. “It’s a wonderful and fulfilling experience.”
The Salaam team: Hajj’s unsung heroes
The Salaam team: Hajj’s unsung heroes
- The whole process of organizing Hajj takes months
East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj
- Onsite response eliminates need to transfer patients to specialized centers
- Indonesian pilgrim who suffered cardiac arrest airlifted to Taif
MAKKAH: A mobile unit of East Arafat Hospital’s Cardiology Department has successfully performed 14 emergency cardiac catheterization procedures since it began operations on the first day of Hajj, the Makkah Health Cluster has announced.
The procedures are being conducted under the direct field supervision of King Abdullah Medical City based in Makkah city, the health cluster said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.
Composed of a specialized cardiology team, supported by qualified Saudi professionals in anesthesia, nursing, and urgent cardiac care, the mobile cardiac catheterization unit is deployed at the holy sites to provide immediate on-site intervention.
Officials said the initiative eliminates the need to transfer patients to specialized centers, “thereby enhancing patient safety and ensuring continuous medical care.”
Meanwhile, the Air Medical Evacuation team at the Ministry of Defense rescued an Indonesian pilgrim who suffered a cardiac arrest on June 5 in Makkah.
The patient was airlifted from Al Noor Hospital in Makkah to King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif city.
Air evacuation units stationed near the holy sites ensure rapid emergency response, improving rescue times and increasing survival rates.
Health officials had earlier announced the successful test of a new service transporting medicine with drones during Hajj, which started June 4 and will run until June 9.
As reported earlier by Arab News, Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel the drone delivery trials over the past two years tested for safe takeoff and landing, as well as high temperatures. The drones are equipped with cooling systems, he said.
The drone initiative is a part of the comprehensive healthcare transformation taking place in the Kingdom, under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.
Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims
RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf Al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah.
The services uses a dedicated lane to transport approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 100 busses on the short 20 minute journey northward to the Ground Mosque.
The minister’s visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a report on the Saudi Press Agency said.
Over 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year's Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam.
Saudi authorities have said the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims.
In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.”
The pilgrims, who are affectionately referred to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days.
They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah.
On Friday, Muslims across the globe marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.
How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact
- Hajj generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, making sustainable solutions critical to protecting the holy sites
- Pilgrims are being encouraged to think beyond convenience and adopt habits that support the health of the planet and community
RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind.
From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices.
Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season.
Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether.
One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics.
“We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,” Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News.
Although the company will not be directly involved in this year’s pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj.
“We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,” he said.
“These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.”
Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability.
“Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,” he said.
“By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability vision.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled.
• Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life.
• Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution.
• By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish.
While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom.
One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets.
By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources.
“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency.
As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices.
By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.
Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services
- The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.
During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.
The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.
The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.
Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success
- Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors
MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.
“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”
His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.
The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.
