RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior on Tuesday published a comprehensive guide designed to ensure the safety, security and smooth movement of pilgrims during Hajj.

It provides detailed instructions for the pilgrimage experience, including directions to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and maps of pedestrian routes and walkways leading to key ritual sites such as the Tawaf and Sa’i zones.

To help manage the crowds and ensure orderly movement of pilgrims, the guide highlights peak times within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards, as well as guidance on the use of vehicles during Hajj season.

It also explains crowd-management protocols, and stresses the important need for all pilgrims to adhere to designated grouping times when performing rituals during the various stages of the pilgrimage, including Tawaf, Sa’i and the stoning of the Jamarat.

The ministry said the guide is designed to help pilgrims perform their rituals safely, easily and with peace of mind, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It reiterated that official regulations require all pilgrims performing Hajj to have a permit, and warned of penalties for any person who breaks these rules.

Citizens and residents were urged to comply with all Hajj-related regulations and report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.

Click here to view the Hajj guide online. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and concludes on Monday, June 9.

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing launched the Home Delivery Permit service for food and non-food delivery establishments via the Balady platform, Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

This initiative supports ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and elevate safety and compliance standards within the delivery sector across the Kingdom.

The delivery service aims to regulate delivery operations within cities by ensuring establishments comply with health and technical requirements, thereby contributing to a safe and efficient environment that enhances consumer confidence.

The requirements for the permit include obtaining a health certificate for all home delivery service workers, securing approval from the authority supervising the commercial activity, clearly displaying the establishment’s name or trademark on delivery vehicles, and ensuring these vehicles comply with the technical and health standards necessary for safe product transportation.

The ministry explained that mandatory enforcement of license issuance will begin on July 1, 2025.

Municipalities will carry out field inspections to ensure compliance and will take regulatory action against violators.

Business owners can apply for the home delivery permit through the Balady platform by visiting: https://balady.gov.sa/en/services/issue-home-delivery-permit.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to develop the regulatory framework for the services sector and to ensure the provision of safe delivery services, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Last month, the ministry announced the launch of the Balady Plus app — an intelligent platform aimed at enhancing quality of life in Saudi cities and facilitating daily mobility for residents and visitors.

According to the ministry, Balady Plus was developed by national talents to be more than just a navigation tool. It offers an interactive 3D map experience with precise local content that reflects the real landscape of Saudi cities and adapts to their changes in real time.

The application features smart mobility services, including live updates on roads, locations, and services. It also supports indoor navigation in commercial centers, alerts users about speed bumps, obstacles, and road closures, and integrates data from government entities and the local community.