Saudi Arabia issues protocols to ensure safety of pilgrims during Hajj

The Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya) has set safety protocols amid the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic. The protocols affects all workers and pilgrims. (Photo/Supplied)
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Updated 06 July 2020
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Saudi Arabia issues protocols to ensure safety of pilgrims during Hajj

  • All rituals will be performed as per the rules set by the authorities to control the spread of coronavirus
  • From July 19, authorities will prohibit all entry into Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat without permits

JEDDAH: With coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases still surging throughout the world, Saudi Arabia has limited the number of pilgrims to performing this year’s Hajj and put several protocols in place.

The Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya) has set the protocols to decrease the infection rate and ensure pilgrims’ safety. Saudi Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced earlier last month that the number of pilgrims would be limited this year.
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh Benten said that the decision to limit numbers “aims to protect people above everything else, which has been the priority of the Kingdom since the start of the pandemic.”
The long list of protocols affects all workers and pilgrims this year. From July 19, authorities will prohibit all entry into Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat without permits.
Guides and awareness signs must be placed in all areas and written in various languages that include COVID-19 infection warnings, hand washing protocols, sneezing and coughing etiquette, and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Organizers must distribute pilgrims in the Tawaf area around the Kaaba to decrease overcrowding while adhering to a 1.5-meter distance between each person. Organizers at the Holy Mosque must ensure that pilgrims are distributed on all floors of the Saee (ritual walking between Safa and Marwa) and place track lines to maintain social distancing while ensuring that the grounds around the Kaaba and Saee are sanitized by cleaning crews before and after each group performing Tawaf.
Touching the Holy Kaaba and Black Stone will be prohibited, barriers will be set to prevent reaching the sites and the mosque’s carpets are to be removed to allow pilgrims to use their personal prayer rugs instead to decrease the chances of the spread of any infection.
Food will not be permitted in the mosque nor will it be allowed on the mosque’s grounds.
All personnel, guides, pilgrims and workers’ temperatures must be checked throughout the pilgrimage; protective face masks and gear must be worn at all times. Floor signs must be placed in locations such as baggage claim areas, restaurants and bus stops with a meter-and-a-half distance between each floor sign.
Concerning the protocols for Arafat and Muzdalifa, pilgrims must adhere to social distancing at all times, wear masks and organizers must ensure that no more than 10 pilgrims are located in a tent of 50 square meters, ensuring a 1.5-meter distance between each pilgrim. Pilgrims must adhere to designated tracks and organizers must be vigilant and ensure that all pilgrims stay in line while adhering to social distancing rules.
Organizers must assemble no more than 50 pilgrims heading to the Jamarat (stone pillars) per group and disinfected and packaged pebbles will be provided for pilgrims as well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Organizers must distribute pilgrims in the Tawaf area around the Kaaba to decrease overcrowding.

• Food will not be permitted in the mosque nor will it be allowed on the mosque’s grounds.

• Touching the Holy Kaaba and Black Stone will be prohibited. Organizers must assemble no more than 50 pilgrims heading to the Jamarat (stone pillars) per group.

Those suspected of carrying the infection will be allowed to perform their pilgrimage only after being evaluated and cleared by a physician. They will be allocated into specific groups of suspected cases, placed in designated accommodation, and in buses with designated tracks to accommodate their condition.
Weqaya’s protocols also advised that no personnel are allowed to work if they contract flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, a sore throat, or sudden loss of the sense of smell or taste) until symptoms disappear and are cleared by a physician.
Disinfecting and sanitization rounds must be scheduled and organized to ensure that surfaces such as door handles and tables in reception areas, public seating areas, and waiting areas are cleaned around the clock.
Sanitizers must be placed next to ATMs, touch-screen guides, and vending machines while all printed magazines and newspapers must be removed to decrease the possibility of transmission.
Workers at pilgrims’ accommodation must always wear face masks. Guests must wear masks when leaving their rooms and workers must disinfect and sanitize all luggage on arrival.
Weqaya also laid out protocols to decrease the rate of transmission at restaurants and rest stops. Water coolers must be discontinued in the Grand Mosque and holy sites and individual bottled Zamzam water will be available and distributed to pilgrims at all times.
Individual pre-packaged meals and food will be served to pilgrims. Workers distributing the meals must follow strict protocols that include washing hands for no less than 40 seconds using soap and water throughout their shifts and where they are not able to access these, alcohol-based sanitizers must be used instead for no less than 20 seconds.

 


Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

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Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a “mobile sites” service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down.

The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.

 


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
Updated 1 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi” (Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam” (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,” with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program” episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days” airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk” program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk” distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

 


Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Updated 28 min 15 sec ago
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Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

  • Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983

MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.

Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.

During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.

Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.

In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.


Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
Updated 30 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

  • 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
  • Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated

RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.

As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.

Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.

Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.

This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.


Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Updated 02 June 2025
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Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

  • The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost

MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.

The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.

It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.

A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.

The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.

Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.

Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.